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Membership vs Participation – Whats the difference and how to Signup?

Updated 15 Oct 2026

In December 2025, BowlsLink released update v1.37 which introduced an array of significant developments and furthered the growth of the platform.

Amongst these updates was the introduction of Signups and the division of ‘Participants’ from ‘Memberships’ in the Member module. The purpose of this was to create a clear and separate difference between the active players of Bowls and the casual, first-time or beginners, with the option to then upgrade to a Member.

Prior to the release, all five (5) types of accounts in BowlsLink were categorised under membership, however, following the release, this has now segmented these into two further groupings of Membership and Participation.

Member/Membership module

In the Member/Membership module remain the traditional members and accounts within BowlsLink. These include:

  • Competition Bowler, i.e. Full Bowling Member or Life Member (Green dot icon)
  • Social Club Bowler, i.e. Social Bowler (Dark blue dot icon)
  • Non-Player, i.e. Member (Non-Playing), Social Member, Life Member (Red dot icon)

Participation/Signup module

In the new Participation module, non-traditional members and accounts within BowlsLink can be found.

These include:

  • Program, i.e. Jack Attack, Night Bowls, Business Bowls – These are often four (4) or more session. (Light blue dot icon).
  • Experience, i.e. Barefoot Bowls and Social Events – these are often one-off sessions. (Yellow dot icon).

Note, Members can be Participants and Participants can transition to be Members.

How to register a Membership via a Signup

Signups can be registered via scanning a QR Code or manually adding the Signup code (specific to each individual signup).

NOTE – When registering a Membership and if scanning the QR Code poster from BowlsLink, the poster will specify ‘Memberships’.

When an EXISTING Member scans the QR code and the mobile number being used to verify the registration already exists in BowlsLink, a RED prompt will appear stating ‘Account signup failed. We couldn’t complete your Signup’.

It is recommended to Login or reset a password for your account.

If you do not know the email linked to your account, contact bowlslink@bowls.com.au for support.

Continuing with your Membership Signup the first steps will confirm Memberships application including any description or details as provided by the Club.

Following from here, you will be required to Select your Membership that best suits you. Select from the available types and click Continue.

The final page will confirm the details provided, including the Club, Membership Type (inc any fees) and the personal details of the member.

After the details are confirmed (any any payments made), you will have a membership applied to your profile.

Step-by-step guide

Step-by-step – How to register a Membership via a Signup

How to register as a Participant via a Signup

After scanning the Signup’s QR code and submitted, it will open to the Signup being registered for, via a mobile web browser. Read through the Signup to confirm it is correct and then click Continue.

NOTE – When registering as a Participant, and if scanning the QR Code poster from BowlsLink, the poster will specify ‘Social Bowls’.

Next you will be require to verify the account being used to register – this will require you to input your mobile number. A verification code will be sent via SMS and input. Enter the SMS code to continue the verification.

The following pages will confirm the entry/participation type required for the Signup.

Select from the available Type/s presented and click Continue.

Next you will need to confirm by creating an account with the Signup with the following details:

  • Full Name
  • Mobile
  • Email Address
  • DOB
  • Postcode

There will also be Terms and Conditions of the Signup. Click the tickbox to agree to the conditions.

If a Sign-up has been created as part of a Competition, there will be prompts to be included as part of a Team. A Team can be joined or created when signing Up.

Select a team to join from the available dropdown or, create a new team altogether by adding the team name and clicking Continue.

Not all Sign-ups will include a team. If your Sign-up does not include a Team option, continue with registration as prompted.

Before payment can be made, you will need to confirm the Sign-up details, including:

  • Sign-up Code
  • Organiser/Club
  • Type
  • Expiry Date
  • Team (if applicable)
  • Personal Details

Making a payment for a Signup

If a Signup has any Fees attached, they will appear in a Payment Gateway.

Enter your Credit Card Number, Expiry and CCV and click Pay to finalise the payment.

After payment is made, confirmation will be received stating you have successfully signed up to Signup ‘XXX’, including the Type, Expiry date and Team of your entry.

Step-by-step guide

Step-by-step – How to register as a Participant via a Signup

Firstly, users will need to have the BowlsLink App downloaded to their mobile device – to download the app, go to the Apple or Android app stores and search BowlsLink App

Android – BowlsLink

Apple – BowlsLink

If you already have the app downloaded, you may need to update for the latest version.

Once the app is downloaded and installed, open and click Sign-Up

Enter your Mobile Number and then click Continue

Note – If your details already exist and are linked to a current account, you will be alerted and directed to contact BowlsLink Support (bowlslink@bowls.com.au) or prompt a password reset.

If your details are not linked to an existing account, a One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the number to being used and verify the account being created. Enter the password and click Continue

If there are any issues with the OTP, you will be able to request another code two (2) minutes after the initial code being sent.

In the following page, Enter your Personal Details and Postcode. Then click Continue.

Enter your Email and Password – the password must include 8 characters, a lower case and upper case letter. Once entered, click Continue.

Once your account is created, you will receive a confirmation prompt and email

For more support please contact bowlslink@bowls.com.au

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