Jerome Joseph steps down after three years as Chair of TBA

At the Annual General Meeting on Saturday, the Chair of Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) Jerome Joseph announced that he would be stepping down as Chair and not seeking a further term as an appointed Director on the Board. 

Joseph has led the organisation in a transformation period, delivering on several initiatives and reforms for the sport. His leadership of organisation has occurred during significant change for the sport and tenpin bowling industry.  A highlight working through the realisation of the vision for the AGL National High Performance that will likely be the major legacy of his time as Chair. As will be the ability to work through issues in a pragmatic and solution focused approach.

“I am really proud of how the organisation has evolved over the last three years,” explained Joseph post the AGM. “However, with my business and family commitments I cannot continue to commit the time required to lead the organisation.”

Whilst major initiatives such as the development of the AGL National High Performance Centre, the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Cup and Para Bowling World Cup and the Tenpin Premier League were significant, other elements of Jerome’s tenure will equally be remembered.  The removal of coach accreditation fees for coaches who have demonstrated that they have been active in coaching was driven by Joseph, as was the High Performance review undertaken by Mike McGovern in 2022.  

Having been appointed as Chair in mid-2020, a key need for the sport and organisation was to ensure an appropriate rebound from COVID-19 occurred.  Joseph’s passion for community was evident in the drive and focus on growing participation and supporting volunteers.  This remained top of mind in getting the organisation and the sport back on track post the various lockdowns and border closures.

“Volunteers are the heart of the sport and with coaches, they remain two of the critical aspects to the ongoing success of tenpin bowling in Australia,” commented Joseph.

“I’m really pleased with our commitment to supporting volunteers and coaches more through the initiatives we implemented over the last couple of years.”

Having been appointed as an Independent Director back in 2020, Jerome’s three-year term concluded at the AGM and he will not seek re-appointment. “The time is right for the next phase and for new Directors to help shape the future of the sport,” said Joseph. “With the strategic plan timeframe concluding at the end of 2023, I believe having some fresh ideas and leadership is good for the sport and for TBA.”

The annual general meeting on Saturday included constitutional changes with the removal of the appointed representative from Zone Bowling and the Independent Bowling Proprietors Association (IBCA).  This change was aligned with good governance practises as outlined by the Australian Sports Commission.  The Industry sub-committee of the Board established in 2022 will continue to provide Zone Bowling and proprietor’s direct feedback and input into the TBA strategic objectives and any key issues facing the industry.     

Having achieved a $319,237 profit in 2020, the Board agreed post the 2020 AGM to re-invest this in the sport during 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, the 2022 result delivered a $250,909 loss. 

In addition, there was the addition of a new member elected Director with Ryan Edgar from Queensland to join the Board. Ryan has a strong background in the sport having represented Queensland in 2016 and is a Systems and Analytics Manager in Local government. 

TBA will shortly announce the new appointed Director roles and the casual vacancy Director role, in addition to confirming the new Chair and Deputy Chair of TBA.

The annual report for 2022 can be viewed at the bottom of the page HERE.