Eligibility rule rescinded after Malta protest

World Bowls has withdrawn the rule on the eligibility of foreign-based players to represent another country following a protest by the Malta Lawn Bowls Association (MLBA).

In a statement, the MLBA said the revision of the eligibility rule, which had originally been approved in November 2006, made it imperative on Australian-born Maltese to have lived in Malta for a period of 36 months in order to be eligible to represent the country in World Bowls-sanctioned events.

"This amendment affected two of our top bowlers, Shaun Parnis and Frank Vella, who had taken part in the Commonwealth Games and at other World Bowls sanctioned events," the statement said.

"The MLBA objected to this new rule as it restricted the right of Maltese-Australian players to represent the country of their choice. As a result of this protest, the Board of World Bowls reconsidered its earlier decision and this rule has now been rescinded."

However, the new ruling came too late for the athletes concerned to be reconfirmed in time to represent Malta in the World Cup 2007, which was held in Australia earlier this year.

In the World Cup, Malta was represented by Joe Saragozza, a Malta-born player who just missed out on selection to the Maltese team at last year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Saragozza finished a creditable 14th out of 24 participants.

The MLBA is in the process of introducing the game to the Maltese islands. Anyone interested in forming part of the association as committee member, official or athlete can contact Marie Therese Zammit on email lawnbowlsmalta@gmail.com.