CoronaVirus... its impact on Bowls

The key changes for our sport at Step 3 are:

1. All restrictions on formats and numbers for organised activity under the jurisdiction of Bowls England will be removed.
2. Car sharing, spectators and indoor hospitality will be permitted.

We recommend that all Clubs read the Return to Play (Step 3) guidance in full as there are a number of FAQs towards the end of the document which provide answers to the majority of questions we have received from clubs and counties during this period.

The key changes for our sport at Step 2 are:

• Outdoor hospitality can open in accordance with the government guidance on hospitality settings
• Changing rooms can be opened, but participants should be encouraged to avoid or minimise use where possible. Participants should socially distance whilst in changing rooms. Subject to available space, more than one household can use changing facilities at one time but they must not mix and must adhere to capacity limits set by the club. Face coverings should be worn at all times when indoors
• Travel should be minimised but can take place for the purpose of sport and physical activity. Car sharing, however, is not permitted
• Spectators are only allowed on public land, where they must adhere to social gathering limits either in groups of six or two households
• Further flexibility has been provided with regard to playing formats and arrangements

As ever, whilst BE are happy to provide a steer on some of the trickier issues that clubs may have, please do take the time to read the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document and additional BE information via relevant links before contacting BE.

The return of sport and physical activity is vital to the physical and mental health of the nation, and we know our sport has a big role to play in providing an opportunity for outdoor activity as the lockdown restrictions ease.  The government’s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions in England consists of four steps, and lawn bowls as an outdoor sport may resume from Monday 29^th March (Step 1).

DCMS has published its guidance for sport and we share with you our ‘return to play’ guidance, which includes a comprehensive FAQ section. You can also download here.

We have also produced a Risk Assessment Template that clubs can utilise to assist them in re-opening safely.

We will also circulate further information next week on the support available through our ‘Back to Bowls’ work in conjunction with the Bowls Development Alliance.