POSITIN AS AT 5TH NOVEMBER 2020.
It will come as no surprise that the ESMBA have issued further guidance following the announcement by the government of “a lockdown” in England from the 5th November to 2nd December. This guidance note is reproduced below. There will be no short mat bowling in the county until the covid19 situation becomes clearer at some stage after the 2nd December.
” ESMBA Coronavirus statement 4th November 2020. Under the latest government lockdown rules, amateur sports are not permitted. So, for the period of 5th November 2020 to 2nd December 2020 all “Safe Bowls” certificates are temporarily suspended.
No Short Mat Bowls clubs may open during this period.
Although it seems a long month, the ESMBA will continue to look at its route map during this time and will be developing new protocols for more competitive bowls once these latest restrictions are lifted. With this in mind we strongly recommend that clubs continue to submit applications for “Safe Bowls” as the importance of being ready to restart cannot be overstated. We will also continue to lobby the DCMS to look at allowing safe bowls to resume.
Barry Hedges
On behalf of the ESMBA management Committee.”
POSITION AS AT 25TH OCTOBER 2020.
Following the publication of new advice and regulations by the government, including the introduction of a tiered arrangement for covid19 infection rates, the ESMBA have issued a further “Safe Bowls” guidance note – this is reproduced below – at this stage there are no plans for restarting short mat bowling in the county.
“ENGISH SHORT MAT BOWLING ASSOCIATION – “SAFE BOWLS UPDATE – 17TH OCTOBER 2020.
The Government have now introduced a tier system for the Country, whilst the ESMBA await further updates from the DCMS and Sports England, the Management Committee have decided to err on the side of caution. With effect of 17th October the rules for clubs in the following tiers are as follows :
Tier 1 Postcodes can continue as per the approved protocols.
Tier 2 Postcodes can only allow single households or social bubbles per rink mat, these members MUST NOT mix with any other individuals.
Tier 3 Postcodes Sport and physical activity can be played as per the guidance under Tier 2.
These restrictions are put in place not just to protect the bowls family but the wider communities that we play and live in. We hope that these restrictions are only temporary and as soon as we have agreed procedures in place to play again, we will update you all.”
Because of the continuing covid 19 pandemic the county has decided to cancel this year’s Kidderminster and District league programme at Stourport Civic Hall with the hope that short mat bowling can restart at the in September 2021.
The ESMBA has circulated additional guidance for counties – this is set out in full below :
