Trial re-opening from Monday, August 17
Post date: Jul 24, 2020 4:35:31 PM
FOLLOWING THE government's lifting of restrictions for sports clubs, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club's arena off Exeter Gardens is set to re-open - for limited casual play only - from August 17.
Members will need to book in advance during a four-week trial period of two-hour roll-ups. They will be staged twice a day (Monday to Friday, 10 am and 6.30 pm) until mid-September. Social-distancing will be tested, with face coverings compulsory.
Only 30 players can participate in these sessions but spectators will be allowed as long as they register and wear a face covering.
Subject to the success of this trial return schedule, when the club will accept email and telephone bookings only and volunteers will be manning reception in pairs to regulate social distancing restrictions, the management committee hope to reinstate competitive play and domestic leagues by September 14. Subsequently, it is hoped early competitive play will be three daily sessions, including one evening session.
It is six months since the indoor green was forced to close on March 17, when fears over the spread of the Covid-19 virus nationwide meant the cancellation of competitions and inter-club matches, friendlies, domestic leagues and casual roll-ups.
The club honoured its commitment to install a new £35,000 playing surface in April. It has yet to be used.
Said chairman Keith Rippin: "Throughout the lockdown, we have been following government guidelines to remain closed but also keeping members informed and remaining in close touch with the governing body (EIBA) for their recommendations.
"The club has lost more than £30,000 in revenue, so it is important for members to get back to playing as soon as possible but not without taking stringent steps to mitigate any risks. To this end the club has conducted risk assessment, which will be published on the website."
He added that members will have to follow the EIBA governing body's latest guidelines, while making face coverings compulsory in the building and maintaining social distancing when registering, paying and playing.
Members can make an email or telephone booking on either August 13 or 14 (Thursday/Friday). Options are: email the club (stamfordindoorbowls@btconnect.com) or telephone Bob and Carol Warters 01780 721411 (between 9am - 8pm). You can leave a message with your name & telephone number and you will be re-called. From August 17, telephone bookings can be made to 01780 756452 during the trial sessions.
Above: The look of things to come. Janet and Maurice Dye illustrate how the trial sessions will look from August 17, with face coverings compulsory and notices to clarify regulations for social distancing.
The following regulations are set to be put in place
No more than 30 will be able to play at any one session.
Members will be able to book a two-hour session in advance online, by email or by telephone ( see below) and will be allotted one of five 4-metre wide rinks of up to six players maintaining social distancing at all times.
There will be no block bookings of more than three players. This will give as many members as possible chance to test and feel comfortable with the new regulations.
Players must register individually on each arrival with their name and contact details.
Spectators and those who turn up speculatively will be allowed but must register and wear a face covering. Maximum of six in the building during sessions.
Payment remains at £3.20 each player per session, preferably by the contactless payment system, (or by providing the correct green fee in cash).
Bowlers must wear their own face coverings, must wash or sanitize hands at the beginning of each session. They will handle only their own bowls. Members must disinfect mats and jacks before and after each session.
Jacks will be delivered then centred by use of the foot. Only one player per rink will touch the scoreboard (pictured left).
Players must arrive dressed to play as per club regulations (as changing rooms will be closed apart from toilets) bring bowls shoes with them and change them in specified areas.
Lockers will be out of bounds after a bowler's first session after which bowlers must take their own bowls home & subsequently bring them with them when they return.
As soon as their game is complete bowlers should leave the premises immediately.
Bowlers must bring their own drinks. No alcohol.
FOOTNOTE: Despite the Prime Minister’s statement earlier today (July 31), the EIBA advises that Indoor Bowls Clubs, if they wish, are still permitted to open.
The Government has taken the decision to postpone the next phase of activities which were scheduled to start August 1 (including tenpin bowling alleys) for at least a further two weeks.
But that doesn't mean indoor bowls clubs. Therefore we can continue with our scheduled activities (from August 17) while maintaining systems to ensure we are COVID-19 secure.