Bowls Update

As you should all be aware formal bowls events within our Region cannot occur until community sport is allowed for  both NSW and Victoria. This is not anticipated until late October or early November. It is apparent that Victoria will most likely be the governing factor and as the Premier has advised, further easing of restrictions will only occur once double vaccination of 70% is achieved. There is a possibility that competitive community sport may not be allowed until 90% double vaccination is achieved. Currently Victoria should reach the double vaccination of  70% on 22 October  and 80% 2nd November or earlier. The date that we can open up for competitive competition may become clearer by the end of next week.

Pennant:  Hopefully we will be able to commence Weekend 6th November and Midweek on 9th November as planned. As the Victorian Open has been cancelled we have flexibility to commence one week later, if necessary, with little impact on the season. The Pennant Fixtures will remain as published (with a couple of minor changes) with dates to be confirmed. Until the dates are confirmed the Draws will not appear on BowlsLink.

State Events: The Championship/Match/Selection Committee will not be releasing the programme for State Events until they have a date that the restriction on competition sport will be lifted. This season it is proposed that BowlsLink be used for entry to and for managing State Events. Details will be advised once the Events Programme is released.

Entry to Clubs – Vaccine Requirement: It is obvious that to enter Bowling Clubs, within our region, bowlers will need to be double vaccinated. To enter clubs in NSW this requirement was implement on 11 October. Whilst some Victorian clubs in our region are waiting for a directive from the Victorian government or Bowls Victoria policy, other clubs are already implementing a policy of double vaccination requirement (allowing for exemptions). Wodonga BC has implemented a policy requirement for double vaccination for entry effective 5 November.

Once we do get back on the Greens for competitive it is essential that all bowlers comply with any restrictions imposed to minimise the risk to all bowlers – we do not need any further lockdowns or disruption to our sport.