On 24 April, the government issued new guidelines for sport and recreation, specifically establishing scenarios at Alert Level 3 for non-contact sports such as Golf, Tennis and Bowls.

Yesterday the Board of Auckland Bowls met and endorsed the guidelines released by Bowls New Zealand.

Auckland Bowls supports the majority of bowling clubs who wish to remain fully CLOSED during Alert Level 3, choosing instead to use the time to prepare the greens and facilities for a return to bowls at Alert Level Two.

However, Auckland Bowls understands there are several Auckland Clubs who wish to offer a LOW-RISK option for their membership, as indicated by the Government and Sport NZ.

For these clubs, please ensure your club and members follow the following strict guidelines:

1. Practice bowls (single person or within your bubble) ONLY.
2. No use of bowling club mats or jacks.
3. All clubrooms/toilets will be closed
4. Any person using the club green must email the club advising of their time/date of use in ADVANCE. Please sign-in on arrival recording time and sign-out on departure recording the time.
5. Bowlers should take sanitising wipes with them to wipe down gate entry, seats etc.
6. No water fountains should be available/used.
7. Do not arrange to meet fellow club members at the green (unless they are in your bubble).
8. Keep physical distancing of two metres.
9. Please check with your club first that the greens are open, they may require maintenance and/or the club has made them off-limits.
10. All club staff and/or volunteers should work from home except for Greenkeepers (see Auckland Bowls website for Greenkeeper guidelines).

Our expectation is most clubs will be CLOSED during Alert Level 3. The main reason for this is the demographic of bowling club membership (older generation and those with health issues) are in Covid-19 high-risk groups. However, at Auckland Bowls, we understand that not all our members are within this demographic and may feel the need to exercise and have a “roll-up”. Like you, we look forward to being able to resume bowls activity as soon as possible however, we are conscious of the need for caution.

If you strongly believe your club can operate safely at Alert level 3, then please ensure the above guidelines are strictly followed. If there is any doubt that your club cannot meet the above Alert Level 3 Guidelines, we recommend you stay closed until Alert Level 2 is introduced.

If you require any further clarification on the above information, please do not hesitate to contact any member of staff from Auckland Bowls. The Management and Board of Auckland Bowls ask that you continue to be safe and well and please reach out to any of us, anytime.

Steven Yates
General Manager