COVID-19: BOWLS SCOTLAND PHASE TWO GUIDANCE
The Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, yesterday announced that Scotland will move into Phase Two in the easing of lockdown restrictions set out in the Scottish Government’s route map. Some of these restriction changes apply to Lawn Bowls commencing today (Friday 19th June).
As with our Phase One Guidance, Bowls Scotland have been liaising with our District Secretaries, sportscotland and the Scottish Government to create a Phase Two Guidance Document that allows even more bowlers to get back on the green safely. We are pleased to inform you that our bowls-specific Phase Two Guidance Document has been approved by the Scottish Government.
Our message remains clear that public health and wellbeing is the most pressing priority and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to continue to suppress the spread of the virus.
Key changes in restrictions for bowling include:
- Players in the shielding category can now participate in bowling but should do so with caution
- Outdoor spectating is allowed subject to physical distancing and good hygiene
- Informal competitions within the club may resume in line with bowling activity guidance
- Coaching is permitted if physical distancing can be maintained and it is in line with bowling activity guidance
- ‘Stay local’ messaging remains in place, but you can now travel to the bowling club by car if your club is within 5 miles of your home
- Bowling Activity Phase 2:
- Practice individually
- Games / informal competitions with members of your own household
- Games / informal competitions with two other households where physical distancing can be maintained and up to a maximum of 8 people on a rink (Only play with two other households per day)
Please click on the link here to view our full Phase Two Guidance Document – https://www.bowlsscotland.com/clubs/club-support-covid-19
Bowls Scotland CEO, Alan McMillan, said: “Bowls has been incredibly fortunate to be one of the first sports to be included in the extension of daily exercise guidelines, aiding with our members physical and mental wellbeing. Phase two sees further changes, which is good news for our sport and could allow even more bowlers to get back on the green.
“I must re-iterate to all our clubs and members that this is not a return to our sport as we knew it before. We must continue to follow the regulations set out in the Phase Two Guidance Document to keep everyone as safe as possible. This will allow a smooth and quicker transition into the next phases which will see more restrictions eased on our great game.
“We have updated our FAQ’s in relation to phase two so please read this information and contact your relevant National Development Officer if your club has any further enquiries or would like extra support implementing the guidelines.
“Bowls is a wonderful sport full of many great people and hard-working volunteers and we will do everything we can to assist you during this challenging time.”
Bowls Scotland National Development Officers: