Message from Bowls NZ

Like most sports and organisations, Bowls New Zealand were somewhat caught out by the governments ‘ten persons or less’ guideline for the first couple of weeks of Alert Level Two. We had, like most, been working on a scenario that allowed for larger sporting groups to connect, under safe conditions.

We have since reviewed the Government and Sport NZ information, and offer the following to bowling clubs in these early stages of Alert Level 2:

Bowls New Zealand’s recommendation is that bowling clubs do not open until the ‘ten persons or less’ guideline is either removed or increased.

IF Bowling Clubs wish to open under Alert Level Two and support the ‘ten persons or less’ guideline, then we have the following expectations:

1. That any activity on the bowling green be limited to a bubble of six persons or less on a ‘wide’ rink (up to six rinks per green max.)
   1. There shall be no movement between rinks, that would see members of one bubble (six persons or less) playing members of another bubble; and
   2. That upon entering the clubrooms, this bubble of six persons or less must be seated at the same table(s) and there be no mixing between bubbles in the clubrooms.
2. That any club opening their facilities only for the purposes of food and beverage wait until Thursday 21st May, when bars are permitted to be open:
   1. That a contact tracing register MUST be maintained, facilities are hygienic and that the distancing rules are applied; and
   2. That no external group bookings of ten or more be permitted to the clubrooms.

All bowling clubs should also continue to follow the attached ‘Best Practice’ Guidelines (13-May) if either their greens or clubrooms are open under Alert Level Two.

Bowls New Zealand is supportive of any club that decides not to open during Alert Level Two, as we continue to promote a ‘health before bowls’ message. If in doubt, then let’s simply delay opening our sport and clubrooms to our communities …. There will still be plenty of bowls to be played in 2020.

Should you wish to have any of the above explained in greater detail or have another question or issue that requires clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe.

Kind regards
Chris

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED BOWLS NZ ALERT LEVEL 2 GUIDELINES FOR BOWLING CLUBS AS AT 13/05/20