Dear : Associations Presidents & Secretaries
I would like to thank each of you for your engagement with Bowls SA throughout these extraordinary times as we move through the recent COVID-19 health crisis. Bowls SA recognises and understands the immense contribution Bowls makes to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of South Australians.
As you would be aware, Bowls like all sporting organisations has a role to play in helping stopping the spread of COVID-19, so we can get sport back up and running across South Australia.
Bowls SA in consultation with the South Australian Government, SA Police and with leading medical organisations, have recently revised and upgraded its recommendation from a previous cease all Bowls activities to permitting restrictive social participation.
“In South Australia, Bowling venues can be used subject to strict social distancing and hygiene practices being implemented”
This information is in line with the latest directive put in place by South Australian State Coordinator, Commissioner Stevens, including an exemption allowing outdoor sporting and recreational venues to be utilised. This directive also specifies that in South Australia, Bowling venues can be used subject to strict social distancing and hygiene practices being implemented with the total number of people participating in all activity at the venue not exceeding 10 and the density requirement of one person per four square metres must be adhered to at any one given time.
We all know Bowls is a unique sport with many benefits – the main one being health and wellbeing. Bowls clubs across South Australia are all different and operate in different local contexts. They are also independent organisations and businesses.
Making an assessment of whether a safe exercise environment can be provided also depends on a range of factors, which will apply differently at each venue – it is the responsibility of each Bowls Board of Administration to make that assessment based on their local environment on whether to remain close or restrictively open. For any Club pursuing restrictive opening in lieu of closure, Bowls SA recommends that this is administered by the individual Membership of the respective venue.
Bowls SA remains committed to complying with advice provided by levels of Government for all bowling activities under its control. All Associations and their affiliated Bowling Clubs must also give absolute priority to the safety and well-being of participants, especially for those over 60-years of age.
This communication is an endeavour to provide initial guidelines on how Clubs can open for use to help ensure people remain active, subject to strict social distancing and hygiene practices being implemented. As long as the following guidelines are followed, bowls activity can include social play, practice and/or roll ups on outdoor greens only. There is to be no play on indoor greens.
Clubs:
The responsibility lies with individual Bowling Clubs to ensure that: they are fully aware of and compliant with South Australian Government legislation and Bowls SA advice, and all of these guidelines are adhered to and engage any staffing/volunteers required as necessary to fulfil the guidelines.
It is of the highest recommendation that all venues provide
• Hand sanitiser is to be made available at the entrance to the Bowling Club and beside each green in use.
• Disinfectant spray must be made available beside mat/jack boxes. After each use, all mats and jacks must be thoroughly cleaned before being used again.
• Any club bowls that are loaned to players are to be thoroughly cleaned before and after use.
• Bowling Clubs may need to implement a booking system to facilitate rink bookings, to confirm with guidelines. Best practice is that a register of attendees is kept, just in case a communicable illness were to occur.
Bowls Activity:
We are pleased to inform you of two important updates relating to Club activities. SA police have advised that
• 1. Players are permitted to play outdoor ‘social bowls’ in groups of 10 or less, providing all social distancing and hygiene protocols are met.
• 2. Change rooms, including showers are permitted to continue operating
• Subject to the social gathering and distancing legislation/restrictions, only four people are allowed to play together and the 1.5m physical distancing rule is to be observed at all times.
• There must be one rink space (an empty rink) between each rink in use.
• Bowling Clubs may need to have a booking system in place to facilitate. Bowling Clubs with more than one green need to ensure that compliance is achieved in respect to these social gathering restrictions.
• All players are to use separate mats and jacks (or ensure that the same player on each rink places mats or places/rolls jacks).
• Other bowls equipment cannot be shared between players (e.g. bowls, cloths, measures etc).
• Disinfectant spray must be made available beside mat/jack boxes and between each use all mats and jacks must be thoroughly cleaned by players.
• Players should practice safe hygiene at all times, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds before and after bowls.
To assist in the process, Bowls SA will prepare a set of State based guidelines for Bowling Clubs and bowlers to follow during this transition period, this will be distributed via email by 24 November and will be available on the Bowls SA website.
People at a higher risk of severe illness (those aged over 70 and/or those with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems) are encouraged to remain at home whenever possible.
If you require any further information, please refer to SA Health website or by contacting Bowls SA on 8234 7544 or via emailing reception@bowlssa.com.au
Thank you again for your ongoing understanding and support.
Mark Easton
Chief Executive Officer
Bowls SA
|