Bowls NSW will continue to update our community on the latest updates regarding the Coronavirus and how this will impact scheduled competitions and other events.
We are following the guidelines of Bowls Australia, The World Health Organisation and NSW Health and as the recommendations are changing frequently we will endeavour to pass on information as quickly as we can to all clubs and members.
For more information on the following areas please follow the links provided;
For Club related information see Clubs NSW click here.
For Health updates see NSW Health click here.
For Government announcements and updates see the Australian Government Click here.
For information and advice on travel restrictions see Smartraveller click here.
For all Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPCC) click here.
For updates from Bowls Australia click here.
For Information on all Stimulus packages see the Australian Treasury click here.
Click Here for COVID-19 related support measures for clubs, employees & bowlers
COVID- 19 UPDATE- Wednesday 1st July
JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING LATEST PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS & COMMUNITY SPORT
As from, today, 1 July, NSW Public Health Orders have been issued concerning Community Sport (this includes Lawn Bowls).
A link to the new Public Health Orders can be found here.
A link to NSW Government website of What You Can and Cannot Do under the new restrictions can be found here. Please note you will need to scroll to Community Sporting Activities.
The new laws allow for lawn bowls to be played, as per normal, however venues (clubs) must have a COVID safe plan in place.
The maximum number of participants must not exceed 500 persons.
A participant includes all players, officials, staff, and spectators.
Womens Bowls & Bowls NSW urges all clubs to ensure that their COVID safe plans include addressing the following requirements:
- Ensure the number of persons does not exceed one person per 4sq metres per green
- Provide staff and volunteers with information and training on COVID-19 including physical distancing; hygiene and cleaning; and how to manage a sick participant
- Minimise co-mingling of participants from different games and timeslots where possible
- Ensure any spectators adhere to 1.5m social distancing
- Reduce crowding wherever possible and promote physical distancing
- Encourage participants to bring their own water bottle
- Adopt good hand hygiene protocols
- Ensure hand sanitiser stations are available at all ends of a green
- Reduce sharing of equipment where practicable and ensure all equipment (jacks, mats, scoreboards, shared umpire equipment, seating etc.) are cleaned with detergent and disinfectant after each use
- Ensure communal facilities, such as locker rooms, have strategies in place to avoid crowding and promote physical distancing
- Ensure bathrooms are adequately stocked with soap and detergent and all facilities are regularly cleansed
- Encourage contact-less payment solutions for entry fees
- Maintain a register of all participants name and contact phone number for all sessions of activity on the bowling greens
COVID safe plans, may need to be updated to ensure it is current with above information.
For a copy of the Associations COVID safe plan template click here
For a copy of the Attendee Register template click here
Womens Bowls NSW & Bowls NSW also recommend the following practices:
- There is no need for rink spacing – Please ensure that the 4sq metre rule and social distancing are been adhered to
- It may be prudent to have a rink space if playing triples or fours, to allow participants to socially distance adequately
- The Laws of the Sport must be adhered to, when playing competition matches, i.e. rolling of jacks, marking of touchers, removal of dead bowls etc.
- Encourage participants to carry chalk spray
- Encourage participants to minimise contact with other participants
- Discourage use of another participants equipment
- Ensure participants regularly practice sensible hand hygiene by having hand sanitiser stations at each end of greens
- The consumption of alcohol whilst participating is up to individual club liquor license and COVID safe plans
- The serving of food prior/after a game would need to adhere to the clubs COVID safe plan and as per regulations for the Registered Clubs Industry COVID safe guidelines.
Please note, that these recommendations may change as restrictions change.
If you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact either office.
Anne Johns Greg Helm
CEO – Women’s Bowls NSW CEO – Bowls NSW
COVID – 19 UPDATE – Saturday 13 June
JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING EASING OF RESTRICTIONS COMMENCING 13 JUNE
THIS ADVICE SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS ADVICE
The NSW State Government has announced further easing of restrictions commencing today, 13 June 2020. These changes have now been legislated.
The changes, from previous restrictions, include:
- No more than 20 persons per green
- This does NOT INCLUDE any staff or officials
- Any persons on a bowling green ARE NOT to be counted in the total number of persons allowed on the premises of a licensed club, as long as the number is restricted to 20 persons per green (excluding staff & officials).
To comply with this regulation, all clubs, who allow use of greens, MUST keep a record of a person’s name and phone number who participate for a period of at least 4 weeks. They must provide a copy of that record to the Ministry of Health, if required, for the purposes of contact tracing.
Please, also note, that strict social distancing of at least 1.5m must be adhered to as well as all other requirements of the current Public Health Order.
WBNSW & BNSW further advise under NSW State Government guidelines from today, 13 June 2020, Lawn Bowls has been granted permission to participate in organised matches this includes social & competition matches.
Please note the following conditions:
- No more than 20 persons are allowed per green (excluding any club staff or officials e.g. markers, umpires, coaches etc.)
- Social Distancing of 1.5m per person must be strictly adhered to
- Personal and Equipment hygiene protocols are in place
- A record of attendees at all sessions of activity must be kept for a period, of at least, 4 weeks and given to Health or Government officials, if required.
- Clubs must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place
It is up to individual clubs to ensure they comply with all restrictions prior to commencing any organised matches (social and/or competition).
Please note that licensed clubs have their own set of restrictions, under Public Health Orders, that apply to the capacity of persons allowed internally within the club house and it may be the case that some clubs may not have the capacity to cater for bowlers prior to and/or after any organised matches. Each club should consider their internal capacity when scheduling any organised social/competition matches.
WBNSW & BNSW continue to strongly recommend that in order to comply with restrictions that no more than 4 persons per rink participate at any one time.
Both WBNSW & BNSW welcome this new easing of restrictions, prior to the full re-start of all community sports from 1 July 2020. When specific details of restrictions, if any, are announced by government for the 1 July 2020 restart, a new updated circular/memo will be issued.
To help clubs ensure they meet the requirements prior to commencing organised matches, WBNSW & BNSW have provided the following:
- A Club COVID-19 Safety Plan & Checklist, which will be updated and re-issued as further announcements are made – Click here
- An Attendee Register – Click here
To view the current Public Health Orders, as legislated, click here.
To view the requirements for resuming organised matches, click here.
COVID -19 UPDATE – Wednesday 20 May
THESE GUIDELINES SUPERSEDE ALL OTHER PREVIOUS VERSIONS.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, Women’s Bowls NSW (WBNSW) together with Bowls NSW (BNSW) have released information to members based on advice and guidelines provided to them.
We can assure all clubs and members that both WBNSW & BNSW have been working tirelessly to ascertain more clear and precise advice regarding participation in our sport and the use of bowling greens on licensed premises.
We are pleased to announce that as of 5.00pm yesterday NSW Health has released an exemption to current Public Health Orders for licensed clubs to allow the use of bowling greens under the current gathering and social distancing regulations.
It is noted that the exemption states that the 10-person gathering rule is per green and excludes any staff or official persons on those greens.
In order to comply with this exemption, all clubs, who allow use of greens for practice/roll up, MUST keep a record of a person’s name and phone number who participate for a period of, at least, 4 weeks. They must provide a copy of that record to the Ministry of Health, if required, for the purposes of contact tracing.
Please, also note, that strict social distancing of at least 1.5m must be adhered to as well as all other requirements of the current Public Health Order.
WBNSW & BNSW further advise that under the State Government guidelines for non-contact community sport, it is recommended that no organised social or competition matches be undertaken.
Both, WBNSW & BNSW, will review any further relaxation of restrictions to community sport and licensed premises as they are released and provide updates to the resumption of social/competition play as soon as practicable.
To view the Exemption to current Public Health Orders, click here.
To view the complete Public Health Orders as legislated, click here.
The updated guidelines and roadmap can be downloaded here in PDF or JPG formats.
If you have any general enquiries, please contact:
Women’s Bowls NSW on 02 9267 7155 or [email protected]
Bowls NSW (David Ellis – Head of Sport & Operations) on 0450 956 485 or [email protected]
COVID-19 UPDATE – Friday 15 May
NSW legislation has now passed and been gazetted for the Stage 1 restrictions that came into force today.
Club Managers and Boards are advised to take note of the relaxation of restrictions concerning dining and venue for use of weddings; funerals or memorial services and allowance for premises to conduct sporting events that comply with restrictions (Practice/Roll Ups for up to 10 persons per green).
The updated Bowls NSW Staged Roadmap can be found here in PDF or JPG format.
To view the legislation click here.
Bowls NSW urges all Clubs to ascertain information from Clubs NSW and any appropriate regulatory authorities pertaining to their individual situation within their premises.
It is expected that Clubs NSW will release specific information relating to clubs opening for dining etc. shortly.
To view up to date Clubs NSW information click here (https://www.clubsnsw.com.au/COVID-19_Updates).
COVID-19 UPDATE – 11 May
With NSW Government announcing relaxed restrictions to take effect from 15 May, Bowls NSW, in conjunction with Womens Bowls NSW, has released a road map to inform clubs and members of new restrictions and recommendations as we work through the stages.
Please click here for PDF or Image of document.
When NSW government announce further stages of relaxation of restrictions and clearer timeframes, Bowls NSW will be in a better position to advise clubs, districts & zones of the plans and course of action for Association events remaining in 2020 season.
If you have any enquiries or need assistance, please contact David Ellis at [email protected] or 0450 956 485.
Update 30/4/2020- JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING LAWN BOWLS ACTIVITY
With the NSW Premier announcing the easing of a stay at home restriction this week, it is also time for both Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW to jointly update their advice on bowling activity.
It must be noted that the NSW Government has not relaxed restrictions as to:
- Social distancing (this remains that persons must keep at least 1.5m distance from each other),
- Outdoor gatherings (this remains at no more than two persons),
- That aged persons or those with pre-existing conditions should stay at home or take extra precautions if they leave their home, and,
- That licensed establishments remain closed (except for sale of takeaway beverages and food).
However, Bowls NSW together with Women’s Bowls NSW now advise that clubs may, at their own risk, and after satisfying their own legal and insurance responsibilities, allow the use of their outdoor bowling greens for practice/roll ups under strict guidelines.
These guidelines are set out in the attached document.
Both associations would like to make it very clear that clubs are under no obligation to open their greens but, if they feel as though they can do so safely and with proper protocols, may allow practice/roll ups from Saturday 2nd May.
The following points should be considered with the utmost importance:
- The consumption of alcohol is not permitted on licensed premises, under current restrictions,
- Social distancing must be adhered to,
- No more than two persons can practice/roll up on a rink,
- There must be a rink space (empty rink) between each rink in use,
- No more than 10 persons are permitted on a green at any time
- Strict safety and health protocols must be in place as per the recommended guidelines
- Persons must not congregate on the premises, prior to or after completion of practice/roll up.
Both Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW do not accept any responsibility for individuals or clubs participating in this activity and strongly urge persons to abide by the rules set out by each club or risk penalty from relevant authorities.
The two associations see this advice as a first stage in allowing members to participate in bowling activity.
Any further easing of bowling activity advice will be dependent upon government and health authorities relaxing of restrictions.
Please note that this advice may be repealed at any time, if guidelines are not adhered to and/or government advises that restrictions are rescinded.
We urge all persons to consider the consequences of not following the guidelines and protocols and to NOT attend if showing any slightest symptoms of any illness.
We are all in this together and by doing the right thing and acting responsibly, it may lead to decisions by authorities to further release restrictions earlier than may otherwise have occurred.
Please stay safe everyone and let us all enjoy the physical and mental benefits of our great sport.
TO VIEW THE GUIDELINES, PLEASE CLICK HERE
For a copy of the circular please CLICK HERE:
If you have any general enquiries, please contact:
Women’s Bowls NSW on 02 9267 7155 or [email protected]
Bowls NSW (David Ellis – Head of Sport & Operations) on 0450 956 485 or [email protected]lsnsw.com.au
Date: 30 April 2020
Re: Joint statement from Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW on stage one easing of restrictions as of 2nd May 2020
Key Federal and NSW Government Restrictions
- Federal and NSW Government advice is to suspend all social sporting activities
- NSW Office of Sport advice is that bowling greens are not explicitly ordered to be closed under NSW Public Health Orders and lawn bowls practice can be classed as exercise
- All licensed premises are closed except for sale of take away food and beverages
- There must be no more than two persons in any gathering
- Individuals must keep at least 1.5-metre distance between each other
- Individuals are only allowed to leave their household for essential criteria, up to two adults with children are now allowed to travel to a relative/friend house
- People at high risk (aged persons) or those with preexisting medical conditions are encouraged to stay at home where possible and take additional precautions when leaving home
Bowls NSW & Women’s Bowls NSW Guidelines & Recommendations
- Clubs may choose to allow greens to be opened at their own risk
- NO social bowls or competitions allowed
- Practice/roll ups allowed under following conditions:
- Please check with your club to ascertain if greens are opened
- Arrive within five minutes of practice and not before
- Only two persons per rink — social distancing rules apply
- There must be at least one rink space (an empty rink) between each rink in use
- No more than 10 persons per green
- Only one person to handle mat and jack
- Bowls equipment MUST NOT be shared (e.g. bowls, cloths, measuring devices etc.)
- Scoreboards are NOT to be used or should be taken away by the club (if possible)
- Individuals MUST NOT arrange to meet others on premises
- Persons must leave the premises immediately after practice/roll up and cleansing of all equipment
- Players should practice safe hygiene at all times including washing of hands for at least 20 seconds before and after participation
- Hand sanitiser and disinfectant must be supplied at entrance to club/greens and stationed at each green in use
- Clubs may wish to implement a booking system, fee and length of practice time with staggered times if using multiple greens
- Clubs may wish to engage staff to facilitate and supervise under Job Keeper assistance program and/or volunteers
- Coaching is limited to one other person per session
- Please note that the consumption of alcohol is not allowed on licensed premises under current restrictions
Disclaimer: Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW are not experts on pandemics and therefore all Australian and NSW government and health department information, guidelines and directives supersedes this information. Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW has released this information to inform its members as to how both associations are responding to COVID-19 and to provide recommendations as to what we believe is the best course of action for clubs and individuals.
If you are unsure of anything listed above, please contact each respective association for clarification — contact details are located at the top of this statement.
Update 27/4/2020
RELAXED COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ON BOWLS CONFIRMED from BOWLS AUSTRALIA – FOR SOME STATES.
Please click here for the update from Bowls Australia.
Update 24/4/2020
Bowls NSW trusts that all members are safe and well and coping with these unprecedented isolation laws.
The impact of COVID-19 has hit not just only our sport but the world-wide community severely.
With an excess of 190,000 deaths across the globe and 3 million people affected it is frightening how this virus can spread with little regard to the physical well-being of individuals.
Australia has done an incredibly good job at containing the spread of the virus, since the first infection on our shores was made known in late February.
This is due to the strict social distancing, gathering and isolation laws now in place, however as is shown by the outbreak in northern Tasmania and within the Newmarch Retirement Village in Sydney, it illustrates how quickly one isolated incident can affect so many others.
It is why we must remain diligent and abide by all the protocols and laws in place.
Our thoughts and prayers are with any member and their families who may have been impacted by this coronavirus.
The Australian Federal Government and NSW State Government have enforced that all organised sporting events and all social sporting activities MUST be suspended. This includes all forms of social bowls, practice or roll ups, together with State legislation that ALL licensed premises be closed, it means that unfortunately, bowling greens, situated within those licensed premises are also closed, Please adhere to these regulations.
Bowls NSW, along with all other STA’s and Bowls Australia are united in the stance that ALL Bowling activity be suspended.
Bowls NSW has also been working hard with Bowls Australia and all other STA’s to formulate strategies to lobby both Federal and State governments and sporting regulatory bodies on a staged approach to allow easing of restrictions on licensed premises to allow participation of lawn bowls.
It is still too early to advise of any details, rest assured, we will let all concerned parties and individuals know, if we have been successful or not and what those stages will look like as soon as practically possible.
With nationwide and state numbers flattening, it is hopeful that we can get a decision in the not too distant future.
With that said, however, we anticipate that the opening of clubs, will not be one of the first restrictions to be relaxed and may even be one of the last and will more likely continue to have strict distancing restrictions in place, whenever they are allowed to re-open. There will still, also, be restricted numbers on outdoor gatherings.
This all impacts what we can do as a sport and Bowls NSW is working on multiple scenarios of how our season will look upon resumption of competition play and especially inter club events and state events.
As you can imagine it has been very difficult to affirm anything as decisions are made/rescinded/changed each week/day and even within the hour.
Suffice to say that the ultimate decision will be made by how effective we can be together to lessen the spread of COVID-19 throughout the community.
All levels of Government and Sports Associations across the country are acutely aware that if sporting clubs are lost then the whole community and society suffers and we at Bowls NSW are working closely with all other associations and government departments to lessen the impact and to do whatever can be done to assist.
One of those has been the State Governments Small Business Subsidy.
When announced it was inferred that bowling clubs would be eligible for this $10,000 grant, however, upon clubs registering for this subsidy it was found that public companies limited by guarantee (the great majority of our clubs) were precluded from applying.
Advice from NSW Government, is that clubs are now eligible to apply for this grant as long as they comply with the eligibility criteria of;
The Clubs payroll for 2019-20 year must be less than the tax threshold of $900,000;
The Club must employ between 1 – 19 full time employees;
Clubs must have suffered a reduction of revenue of 75% or more in a 2-week period, relative to the same period in 2019. As clubs are regarded as businesses in a highly impacted industry, a club will not need a letter from an accountant to demonstrate the reduction in revenue.
Eligible clubs are encouraged to apply and can do so here (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-small-business-covid-19-support-grant)
Here is an update on the following items:
Bowls NSW Office:
The Bowls NSW remains closed.
Bowls NSW has successfully applied and registered for the Federal Government Job Keeper program and all staff have agreed to reduce hours and or days of work; take accrued annual and/or eligible long service leave; take unpaid leave, or a combination of all of these.
Whist working at greatly reduced rate, we are still available at intermittent times.
All enquires can be sent to [email protected] or you can contact, David Ellis on 0450 956 485.
Bowls NSW Affiliation Fees:
All affiliation fees have been deferred until further notice.
Members will still be eligible to play events, upon resumption and information is released to clubs regarding fees, any reduction that may be applied to those fees and their due date.
Bowls NSW Events:
Bowls NSW are working on contingencies for a resumption of all events, a partially reduced calendar or substantially reduced events.
Events previously advised of cancellation are as follows:
State Junior Championships; Brett Duprez Junior Series; Under 18 State Camp; Drakes Pride Junior Carnival; BNSW Indoor Qualifying; City v Country Series; All State Representative Matches (all divisions).
A definitive decision is still to be made by Bowls Australia on The Nationals, and that decision will be key as to what Bowls NSW events will be required or not required to be completed.
If Bowls Australia proceed with Australian Championships at a later time of year or early 2021, then Bowls NSW will need to complete State Championships.
NSW already has its qualification for The Australian Champion of Champion event (2019 NSW Champion of Champions) but in order to have a qualifier for 2021 Australian Champion of Champions, we will need to complete a Champions of Champion event this year or very early in 2021 (if required).
A decision on Pennants will be made at a later date, which will be dependent upon when clubs are allowed to re-open and what social distancing and gathering restrictions are in place at that time.
The decisions regarding the above State events will impact on the decisions required for all other State events (State Rookies; State O40s Pairs; Club Challenge; State U25 Singles; State Junior 7 a Side) and the time required to complete those events with time left in the year.
As soon as events are confirmed or cancelled and restrictions known, we will release all details regarding the calendar of events for remainder of season.
Bowls NSW is working with all zone administrations to help formulate what is required to be completed and likely timeframes.
Coaching and Umpires:
All courses are temporarily postponed until such time as clubs are allowed to re-open and what gathering restrictions are in place.
Once we are at the stage to be able to hold courses again, information will be released to each zone.
All Coaches and Umpires who are due for re-accreditation up to 31 December 2020 will have an extension until 30 June 2021 to complete their re-accreditation process and payment.
Club Assistance Programs:
All eligible clubs should have registered for Job Keeper Program by now.
For all information regarding Job Keeper please click here (https://www.ato.gov.au/General/JobKeeper-Payment/)
Bowls NSW urges eligible clubs to utilise this assistance program for all staff, especially any staff required to maintain greens.
Boosting Cashflow for eligible business – for information click here (https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/fact_sheet-boosting_cash_flow_for_employers.pdf)
Temporary Relief for Financially distressed businesses – for information click here (https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Providing_temporary_relief_for_financially_distressed_businesses.pdf)
Loan Guarantee Scheme and relaxation of lending eligibility – For information click here (https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Supporting_the_flow_of_credit_1.pdf)
AGM’s may be postponed – For more information click here (https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2020-releases/20-068mr-guidelines-for-meeting-upcoming-agm-and-financial-reporting-requirements)
Small Business Grants (mentioned earlier), Payroll Tax Waived; Gaming Tax Deferred – For more information click here (https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/news-media-releases/covid-19-tax-relief-measures)
Bowls NSW wants to thank all clubs and members who have been understanding of the circumstances during this crisis.
Bowls NSW will continue to work to ensure we can start participating in our sport sooner rather than later and will provide further updates as they are finalised.
Update 1/4/2020
Joint Advice from Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW Regarding Latest CLUBSNSW Circular
Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW are aware of a Clubs NSW circular released today concerning the news that bowling greens can remain open as long as the activity was limited to no more than two persons.
This Circular and the NSW Minister for Sport in an interview on 2GB (1st April 2020) did not specify if the two-person rule, in the case of lawn bowls, is meant to be two per rink or two per green, and further advice from the Minister’s office simply states that social distancing guidelines are to be adhered to.
Due to the uncertainty and lack of clarity surrounding our sport and its inclusion under this social distancing law, Bowls NSW and Women’s Bowls NSW continues with its stance that ALL BOWLS ACTIVITY be suspended at all levels as per regulations already in place.
We ask that all members and Clubs continue to practice responsible social behavior and adhere to all public health orders and restrictions as set out by the relevant authorities.
The enforcement of these restrictions has now come in to force as gazetted under the Public Health Act and released 30 March. This notice is very clear that licensed premises must be closed and does not have gazetted an exception for social sports activity, as an essential activity, which roll up/practice would fall under.
To view this gazette notice click here
To view circular 9/2020 Joint Advice from Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW Regarding Latest CLUBSNSW Circular click here.
Update 31/3/2020
All Clubs and members are reminded of the new social distancing measures in place, which are now enforceable.
All Clubs are shut down and ALL Social Sporting Activity is banned (this includes roll-ups/practices).
There have been numerous assistance and relief measures implemented over the last few days that could be of great benefit to clubs and members.
Bowls NSW strongly urges all Club Managers and/or Administrators as well as any staff, contractors and individuals to keep up to date by checking all available resources;
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE:
The Australian Government has introduced various stimulus packages, including:
- Job Keeper Payment
- Boosting Cash Flow
- Temporary Relief
- Increasing Threshold for Instant Asset Write off
- Backing Business Investment
- Job Seeker Allowance
You can read information on all these incentives by clicking on Australia Treasury and ATO links above
NSW State Government Deferral of Gaming Tax and Payroll Tax click here.
AUSTRAC advice regarding extension of Compliance Report 2019 to 30 June click here.
Many Club Suppliers have announced relief measures – to see list of suppliers and type of relief click here
Bowls NSW advises that All Clubs whose year end is March, April or May 2020 will have payment of their 2020/2021 Affiliation Fee deferred until at least June 2020, at which a further review will be undertaken.
The Bowls NSW Board and Senior Staff are in the process of considering options regarding appropriate fee relief for all affiliated Bowling Clubs affected by forced shut down and will announce these as they are finalised.
Bowls NSW advises that the 2020 City v Country Series to be played at Cabramatta on 16 – 17 May has been CANCELLED.
Bowls NSW also advises that ALL Interstate Test Series for 2020 season have been CANCELLED.
These events are:
- U18s NSW v QLD Series – scheduled to be played at Brisbane 5 – 6 July
- NSW v VIC Test Series – scheduled to be played at Moama 7 – 8 July
- NSW v QLD Test Series – scheduled to be played at Taren Point 30 – 31 July
- NSW v ACT Test Series – scheduled to be played at Tuggeranong 12 – 13 September
The above series’ include all divisions (Open; Senior; O40s &/or U25s)
The Soldiers Point Classic Quadrangular Series weekend scheduled for 15 – 16 August is on hold, pending a decision to be made regarding The Nationals by Bowls Australia, (hopefully) to be made mid-April.
The following events are still suspended, pending further information and any return to opening of clubs and greens;
- State Pennants
- State Championships
- State Champion of Champions
- State Rookies
- State O40s Pairs
- Club Challenge
- State U25 Singles
- Junior 7 a Side
Bowls NSW reminds members of events already cancelled as notified in earlier release.
Bowls NSW Office is closed and any phone messages will only be intermittently retrieved.
Please contact [email protected] if we can be of any assistance to any club or member.
For the circular 8/2020 COVID-19 Update and Affiliation Fee Notice click here.
Update 25/3/2020
BOWLS NSW
Following from decisions made last night and announced by the Prime Minister, we advise all clubs that all organised sporting events and all social sporting activities must cease, including all forms of lawn bowls activity from Midnight tonight (Thursday 25 March).
Please note that these restrictions are now enforceable.
Bowls NSW will continue to provide updates as they become available
Update 24/3/2020
As you are no doubt aware as of Monday 23rd March at 12 Noon ALL Clubs were forced to shutdown by government and stricter self-distance protocols have been put in place.
We urge all club administrators to keep up to date with all changes and news regarding assistance relief via Clubs NSW and other links above.
Please take particular interest in relief for businesses with less than $50 million revenue. These will be provided as automatic credits by ATO.
For Directors, please note that there is relief for trading insolvent.
Bowls NSW are aware of a Clubs NSW circular released at 9.00am today (Tuesday 24th March) advising that clubs may continue to permit or facilitate games on their greens, however they cannot allow people to assemble or meet in the clubhouse.
Bowls NSW will investigate this situation to ascertain the most appropriate guidance for Clubs and to what OFFICIALLY can be/cant be done and provide an update as quickly as possible.
The Bowls NSW Board and Senior Staff are working through all options currently available to provide relief for clubs in terms of affiliation fees and the impact for the sport, which will include the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
We will update via this page as soon as any information is available.
An update on all events currently suspended will be given following a review with Board to take place on 31st March.
Please note those events already cancelled by notice on 19 March.
Please be advised that as from 4.00pm today the Bowls NSW Head Office will be shutdown. All staff have been advised that they are to take all leave entitlements until they are exhausted.
Bowls NSW understands that this crisis has created extremely uncertain times for all clubs, management and staff and members.
We will attempt to provide clubs with continual updates in what has become a very unpredictable and, at times, contradictory, issue.
If you have any queries, phone messages will only be checked intermittently and best contact is: [email protected]
We urge everyone to continue practicing safe hygiene and self-distancing measures and to limit travel times as much as possible.
Please stay safe and together we will come through this crisis, a stronger, more resilient sport for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
Update 19/3/2020
The Board of Bowls NSW met today (19/03/2020) and announce the following:
Bowls NSW continues with its direction that ALL Bowling activities be suspended.
This advice includes all Association events; Club Championships; Tournaments & Social Bowls events.
Bowls NSW does not endorse any club continuing to organise any bowling activities.
Those Clubs that continue this practice do so at their own risk.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) clearly states that:
Participants should not attend and participate in Community Sport if they:
Have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; or
Are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre‑existing medical conditions.
Bowls NSW suspending bowling activities is the administrations responsible stance as it is paramount to safeguard the health and safety of our members (a large percentage of whom are in the high risk category), its volunteers, officials, Clubs, and their staff and is based on all advice received from governments, health authorities and National sporting body.
Bowls NSW advises that ALL Umpire and Coaching Courses are to be suspended until further notice.
Bowls NSW will contact those members who are booked into Coaching Courses and advises all Zones to do the same with any upcoming Umpire Courses.
The following events are CANCELLED for 2020 season:
- NSW State Junior Championships
- Brett Duprez Under 18 Series
- U18 State Squad Camp
- Drakes Pride Junior Carnival
- Bowls NSW Indoor Qualifying
Any entries already received for any of the above events will be refunded.
The following events are SUSPENDED until further notice:
- Bowls NSW Pennants
- Bowls NSW State Championships (all disciplines and divisions)
- All other Association events
The following events have not been decided upon, as yet and advice will follow when available:
- City v Country Series
- All Interstate Test Series (Opens, Seniors, O40s, U25s & Juniors)
Bowls Australia has announced that the 2020 World Championships are postponed to a date to be announced.
Bowls Australia has also announced decisions on the following events;
- Australian Open – Cancelled
- Australian Indoor – Cancelled
- BA Jackeroos Tour – Cancelled
- The Nationals – No decision as yet
- Australian Multi Disability Championships – No decision as yet
Bowls NSW Senior Staff will be briefing Bowls NSW Board via online methods twice weekly and any new information will be updated following those briefings.
All non-essential travel for any Bowls NSW Staff, Board and Committees will not be undertaken and all meetings will be via online (teleconference) methods.
Please refer to this page for any further updates.
Update 17/3/2020
JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)
Notice to suspension of bowls includes social bowls events
Both Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW have been continuously monitoring the Coronavirus situation.
Subsequent to a teleconference meeting with Bowls Australia and all State & Territory Associations late yesterday and with regard to the notice released by Bowls Australia today (17 March 2020), Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW jointly advise the following:
Amid growing concerns and uncertainty in relation to the spreading of COVID-19 and to provide a safeguard to all members, volunteers, clubs and their staff, especially concerning the demographic that encapsulates a large proportion of both associations’ memberships that Women’s Bowls NSW & Bowls NSW have decided that:
All bowls events be suspended for an indefinite period, effective immediately (from this date).
This relates to all association events, competition events, club events and tournaments and includes social bowls events.
While this is obviously an unfortunate disruption to the season, Women’s Bowls NSW and Bowls NSW believes that a blanket guidance such as this leaves all associations, clubs, players, coaches, officials and administrators in the state in the same position while we watch developments around COVID-19.
It is important to note that the season is not being cancelled. At this time, the recommended action is seen as a socially responsible position for the lawn bowls community in NSW to take.
We would like to remind members that all clubs remain open for business and the advice from Clubs NSW is:
“The public can be assured that their local club is a safe and hygienic environment, with no detected cases of COVID-19 to date at 1200 venues across the state.
The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) were clear in their advice that while non-essential mass gatherings such as sporting events will have to be reviewed, people should go about their everyday lives.
Day to day club operations will be unaffected and venues have already taken proactive measures to ensure your local club is a safe place to enjoy a drink and a meal.”
Information on each NSW association events, and any other information will be forwarded to relevant membership as more information comes to light, please look at both association websites regularly for updates.
Please see below regarding general health recommendations:
What to do if you become unwell and are concerned you may have coronavirus:
Coronavirus presents as a mild cold like illness in the majority of people. If you have known exposure or have travelled to an area of high or moderate risk, and have a fever, shortness of breath, or flu like symptoms (including cough, sore throat, fatigue) or any other concerns please isolate yourself and phone your GP or Hospital Emergency Department and notify them prior to attending a review.
How to minimise risk:
Good hand hygiene is likely, the single most effective method for reducing the risk of spread of viral illness.
Good hand hygiene should include:
- Washing hands and/or use of hand sanitiser
- Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue (where possible) and wash your hands afterwards
- Avoid close contact with others, such as touching or shaking hands
- Clean surfaces with hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes or a cleaning spray
If you have any general enquiries, please contact:
Women’s Bowls NSW on 02 9267 7155
Bowls NSW on 02 9283 4555
Anne Johns Greg Helm
General Manager – Women’s Bowls NSW CEO – Bowls NSW
Please click here to download circular 07/2020 JOINT ADVICE FROM WOMEN’S BOWLS NSW AND BOWLS NSW REGARDING CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)
Past Updates:
Update 6/3/2020 Coronavirus update and details – Click here to read