PBA TOUR COMMISSIONER TOM CLARK JOINS IBF AS NEW DIRECTOR OF SPORT AND COMPETITIONS
International Bowling Federation (IBF), the global governing body for the sport of Tenpin, Ninepin and Para Bowling, has named PBA Tour Commissioner Tom Clark its new Director of Sport and Competitions.
Clark will continue as Professional Bowlers Association PBA) Tour Commissioner, a position he has held since 2011, though will now support the international body in implementing and developing events and advise the Federation in the sport and business of bowling.
IBF CEO Andrew Oram said “The past two years has been a period of deep and necessary reflection as to the purpose and role of the governing body for the sport of bowling. Tom Clark was the stand out name when discussing elite bowling and a pathway for athletes worldwide. Tom’s vast experience in the game and in the business of bowling provides IBF with important insight and knowledge as we now emerge from the global pandemic with a new structure and purpose”.
Clark, a bowling industry veteran since 2005 including stints as United States Bowling Congress Vice President and member of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame board of trustees, has worked closely with manufacturing leaders, bowling center proprietors and the world’s greatest players.
“Thanks to the IBF for this opportunity to help bowling achieve elite international status for the sport and for the opportunity to lead on the vision and aspiration of Olympic status and grow the sport around the world,” Clark said.
The role with IBF for Clark comes with the support of PBA CEO Colie Edison and parent company Bowlero Corp., assuring a united and coordinated effort.
Oram added “IBF needs to be much closer to the key stakeholders in the bowling industry. To bring about a collective vision, to create a clear pathway for the sport, a global taskforce under the banner of Project Unity has been created. To have leaders from the manufacturing space, proprietors and sports administrators is invaluable for the sport and its incredible athletes. The PBA being prepared to release Tom to assist the global sport development is a first example of how the taskforce is focusing on unity for a strong future. ”
About IBF
The International Bowling Federation represents member federations and bowlers from across the world. At the heart of what we do, uniting us all, is our mission to connect the world with the greatness of bowling.
Connecting further, faster, for all. Ninepin, Tenpin, academy, para, male, female, young, old; whoever you are, wherever you come from, our sport crosses cultures. Truly inclusive, united by a passion for bowling, we bring the world closer together by innovating our sport with technology and data.
Championing the best of bowling. Guardians of our sport, we show bowling at its best. By removing the complexity and barriers to play, without compromising the integrity of our sport.
IBF is the International governing body for the sport of Tenpin, Ninepin and Para Bowling representing five continental zones and 114 member federations.
IBF was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1979 as the world governing body for the sport of Bowling and by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2019 for Para Bowling.
About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated to the sport of bowling and its professional competition, with thousands of members and millions of fans throughout the world.
The PBA plays host to bowling’s biggest tournaments from the PBA Tour, PBA Regional Tour, and PBA50 Tour. In 2020, the PBA launched PBA Jr., a club for elite youth bowlers under the age of 17 and the PBA Pinsiders, a membership for fans of the sport. For more information, please visit PBA.com.
