Making a clear decision over steamed up spectacles

Post date: Aug 27, 2020 8:24:23 PM

INDOOR BOWLERS who need to wear spectacles to play, will now be able to see more clearly the challenges they face on the green. This is thanks to new rules issued this week by the game's governing body, the English Indoor Bowling Association.

One of the major hazards for spectacle-wearing bowlers has been the need to follow guidelines demanding mandatory face coverings at all times to play the game on indoor surfaces. It almost inevitably means lenses misting up, just as a player prepares to deliver the bowl.

It is caused by their breath escaping upwards on to the lenses, obscuring a player's vision at a key moment in their delivery.

But now help is at hand. Stamford Indoor Bowls Club has adopted new regulations which allow for a bowler's mask to be temporarily drawn aside or down (even those not wearing spectacles) as they stand on the mat to deliver the bowl. However, they must ensure they keep at least two metres socially distant from anyone else.

The mask must be returned to cover the nose and mouth immediately and before they leave the mat.

Commented a spectacle-wearing spokesperson for the management committee: "This amended ruling will be of great benefit to all those bowlers like who need glasses to play the game effectively.

"While we appreciate the opportunity to return to indoor bowls after many months because of the pandemic, the effect that wearing a face covering has on the ability to judge distances and deliver the bowl accurately is severely impaired because spectacles tend to steam up.

"Many of us have tried bowling without glasses, adjusting the mask upwards or even treating our glasses in soapy water before a game. But none is ideal and spoils our enjoyment and judgement. I know I can speak for all spectacle-wearers that we are delighted the EIBA has made this decision."

However, Stamford IBC has rejected a proposal for any bowler to be able wear a plastic transparent visor unless they have specific exemption from wearing a face covering for personal health reasons. The club management committee felt that visors did not give sufficient protection for others on the green.

Stamford IBC has also confirmed that lockers will also continue to be out of bounds until further notice. Once a member has collected their bowls and shoes from the locker on their first visit back after the re-opening on August 17 they must continue to bring their equipment with them each time.

FOOTNOTE: From Saturday, September 19 (10 am) coaching will re-commence for those who pre-book on line, by email or by telephone (01780 756452 when daily league sessions have reception cover). A coach will be able to advise upto four trainees at one time as long as the two metre social distancing rules are observed BW