A return to bowls with Aussie Rules!

Post date: Apr 29, 2020 6:06:25 PM

The Australians are feeling pretty pleased with themselves over the way they have handled the COVID-19 pandemic, closing their borders (especially to cruise ship passengers) earlier than most nations, so that the virus was limited in its spread therefore reducing cases and subsequent deaths.

While Bowls Australia recognises that there are differing levels of restrictions being set by its six State Governments, it has revealed that its South Australia and Western Australia organisations have already been given the go-ahead to start bowling outdoors again with Queensland restrictions relaxed from May 2.

To assist the process, the game's governing body has prepared a set of guidelines for clubs and bowlers to follow for practice, coaching, roll-ups and singles and pairs competition.

We thought we would share with you the rules the Aussie's have drawn up in anticipation of maybe similar circumstances being introduced in the UK to ensure health and physical activity returns, when our own lockdown is lifted.

Clubs must firstly ensure that hand sanitizer is made available at the entrance to each club and beside each rink together with hand washing facilities and disinfectant spray, so bowls, jacks and mats are cleaned before and after games.

As for the bowlers themselves here are a selection of rules they must adhere to:

Only four Bowlers allowed to play together with a 1.5m physical distancing rule observed at all times with a one rink wide space between each rink in use.

*A maximum of 10 persons (including markers) allowed per green at any one time with a booking system in place.

Players must use separate mats and jacks and bowls equipment cannot be shared between players ( e.g. bowls, cloths, measures).

*Disinfectant spray must be made available beside mats and jacks so they can be thoroughly cleaned by the players after use. Players should wash their hands for 20 seconds both before and after play and leave the premises immediately on completion of their games.

*Coaching should be limited to no more than one coach and two other people with all practicing physical distancing of 1.5m during the session. No barefoot bowls - a popular new innovation in Australia, which hasn't yet caught on in the UK.

Oh! And by the way anyone aged over 70 or with a chronic medical condition IS BANNED!

So much, then for 80 per-cent of bowlers!

Sort of takes the smugness out of this new form of Aussie Rules, don't you think? BW