Return to Bowls – Phase 2 Club Games
Bowls BC is aware that many of our clubs have a desire to start Phase 2, in-house games/leagues, now that Phase 1 has been underway. We understand that bowlers want to be on the greens and competing with other bowlers however Bowls BC and the provincial sport governing body viaSport are taking the continuing risk of the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. On-going and lingering health problems can result from COVID-19 infection and lawn bowlers are generally in the high risk category. With these risks in mind our phased implementations are designed to lessen the risks as much as possible. It will take everyone’s cooperation and adherence to the guidelines for us to succeed.Before any club can implement Phase 2 bowling, they must have successfully completed the prerequisites outlined below.The club must have developed Phase 1 guidelines, approved by the club’s Board of Management in a board motion, and submitted these Guidelines to Bowls BC review and comment,The clubs must have successfully implemented their Phase 1 guidelines for a minimum of two weeks,The clubs must submit their Phase 2 guidelines on a separate and distinct document for review by Bowls BC prior to implementing Phase 2 bowling.A few of the issues that must be addressed in Phase 2 bowling include, at least:Procedures for conducting the draws, (phone-in or online registrations),Types of games (singles, pairs, cutthroat, etc.). Triples games are not permitted at this time – too many people on a rink.Number of jacks in use and the procedures for delivering the jacks,Use of pushers (rakes), mats, benches and their sanitizing procedures, if used,Length of games (maximum number of ends or maximum time),Physical distancing, sanitizing, rink use, etc., same as Phase 1,Procedures for measuring winning shots (1 person only with personal tape),Use of kitchen or other facilities with sanitizing procedures,Visitors/Spectators:Clubs can sign-up new members, however, active solicitation is not allowed.The clubs must specify the maximum number of bowlers, volunteers and spectators that will be allowed on the property (not on each green). At present, the Provincial Health Officer restricts the number to a maximum of 50 people, however, the clubs might want to make that number fewer.The club guidelines must require that all bowlers, volunteers and spectators complete a Waiver the first time they enter the property, and a Symptom Screening form every time on subsequent entries,The location(s) for spectators to sit must be identified,The Guidelines must either require spectators to bring their own seating or include sanitation procedures for club seating (benches, chairs, etc.),Visitors/Spectators must be recognized/registered as club members.Once their guidelines have been formally approved by the Club’s executive, clubs can submit their Phase 2 document to Bowls BC for review and comment. Clubs are NOT to implement Phase 2 bowling until they have reviewed the Bowls BC checklist results and have made any required amendments to their Guidelines.We will be progressing slowly into the various viaSport Phases. We ask that all clubs and their members be patient, we are not going to subject our members to undue risk.Good and safe bowlingHarry CarruthersPresidentBowls BCBowls BC is aware that many of our clubs have a desire to start Phase 2, in-house games/leagues, now that Phase 1 has been underway.
We understand that bowlers want to be on the greens and competing with other bowlers however Bowls BC and the provincial sport governing body viaSport are taking the continuing risk of the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously.
On-going and lingering health problems can result from COVID-19 infection and lawn bowlers are generally in the high risk category. With these risks in mind our phased implementations are designed to lessen the risks as much as possible. It will take everyone’s cooperation and adherence to the guidelines for us to succeed.
Before any club can implement Phase 2 bowling, they must have successfully completed the prerequisites outlined below.
The club must have developed Phase 1 guidelines, approved by the club’s Board of Management in a board motion, and submitted these Guidelines to Bowls BC review and comment,
The clubs must have successfully implemented their Phase 1 guidelines for a minimum of two weeks,
The clubs must submit their Phase 2 guidelines on a separate and distinct document for review by Bowls BC prior to implementing Phase 2 bowling.
A few of the issues that must be addressed in Phase 2 bowling include, at least:
Procedures for conducting the draws, (phone-in or online registrations),
Types of games (singles, pairs, cutthroat, etc.). Triples games are not permitted at this time – too many people on a rink.
Number of jacks in use and the procedures for delivering the jacks,
Use of pushers (rakes), mats, benches and their sanitizing procedures, if used,
Length of games (maximum number of ends or maximum time),
Physical distancing, sanitizing, rink use, etc., same as Phase 1,
Procedures for measuring winning shots (1 person only with personal tape),
Use of kitchen or other facilities with sanitizing procedures,
Visitors/Spectators:
Clubs can sign-up new members, however, active solicitation is not allowed.
The clubs must specify the maximum number of bowlers, volunteers and spectators that will be allowed on the property (not on each green). At present, the Provincial Health Officer restricts the number to a maximum of 50 people, however, the clubs might want to make that number fewer.
The club guidelines must require that all bowlers, volunteers and spectators complete a Waiver the first time they enter the property, and a Symptom Screening form every time on subsequent entries,
The location(s) for spectators to sit must be identified,
The Guidelines must either require spectators to bring their own seating or include sanitation procedures for club seating (benches, chairs, etc.),
Visitors/Spectators must be recognized/registered as club members.
Once their guidelines have been formally approved by the Club’s executive, clubs can submit their Phase 2 document to Bowls BC for review and comment. Clubs are NOT to implement Phase 2 bowling until they have reviewed the Bowls BC checklist results and have made any required amendments to their Guidelines.
We will be progressing slowly into the various viaSport Phases. We ask that all clubs and their members be patient, we are not going to subject our members to undue risk.
Good and safe bowling
Harry Carruthers
President
Bowls BC