Bowls Scotland - Coronavirus guidance for club activity

Bowls Scotland is closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The welfare of all our players, coaches, workforce and volunteers is of paramount importance.  This communication is designed to inform, rather than alarm, and contains relevant links to the most up to date guidance from the Government and NHS Scotland regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Bowls Scotland will be continuing to plan competitions and events as normal but will be following Government guidance and assessing risk as appropriate.  Bowls Scotland will be issuing specific guidance regarding forthcoming Bowls Scotland events as necessary to those due to attend.

• We would like to take this opportunity to remind all clubs running events, training sessions or trips abroad that they must inform players, coaches, volunteers and spectators of the hygiene precautions to reduce the spread of infection. For the latest infection control advice, please click here

• The Government has issued advice around travel to and from certain areas as novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation develops. Please read the latest advice here. This is updated regularly.

• It is our expectation that all Bowls Scotland members will comply with the latest Government and NHS guidance. This can be found on the NHS Scotland Website. If you feel unwell, please call NHS 24 (111) for advice.

• We would advise clubs to also carry out appropriate risk assessments and comply with all Scottish Government advice when planning future activities.  A club risk assessment template can be found for you to download and use (Please find at the bottom of the page) If you would like assistance in completing the risk assessment template please contact the Development team via email info@bowlsscotland.com

• Bowls Scotland staff continue to be available to support clubs, however we would ask that both staff and clubs consider all options for club meetings including over the phone and virtual meetings in place of face to face meetings.

• Bowls Scotland will offer Club Development Webinars throughout March and April, these will be delivered by the Development Team via Go To Meetings.

• It is our advice that any Try Bowls events due to take place in April are postponed.

• When planning for Club Open Days, club competitions, social events etc we advise clubs to carry out a risk assessment and make appropriate decisions based on the outcome of the assessment.

Practical Tips for the Bowling Community:

At this time, it is recommended that that the following precautions are taken for group gatherings including tournaments, meetings and workshops:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.

• Make soap and/or hand sanitiser and disposable tissues easily accessible at gatherings.

• Avoid contact with sick people, including avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.

• Practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands)

• Avoid touching your face and mouth to reduce the chance of passing an infection to yourself.

• Monitor illness and avoid public gatherings if you are showing signs of infections, disease or virus.

• Close physical contact with an opponent that may expose a player to risk, such as picking up teammates or opponents bowls, shaking hands, delivering the jack, picking up mats, measuring etc. Implement an elbow bump protocol to replace handshake and hugging greetings.  Also ensure equipment is cleaned after use, if there is multiple use.

• If you become unwell prior to travel, it is recommended that you organise a review with your GP prior to travel, to ensure it is medically safe to travel.

• If you become unwell and are due to play, it is recommended that you do not attend training or competition, and organise a review with your GP to ensure it is safe to train and minimise infectious spread

• There is no need to alter your exercise or training if you are feeling well.

• There is no need to wear a mask in public if you are well.

• Size and proximity of crowds attending the event. Any mass gathering represents an increased opportunity for infection spread. The Scottish government has issued a statement that their recommendation is for “mass gatherings” of 500 people or more be cancelled.