CORONAVIRUS UPDATE from Bowls SA CEO

by BowlsSA2 on March 17, 2020

In considering the COVID-19 impact on the Bowls community across Australia, Bowls South Australia notes that our sport’s national governing body, Bowls Australia (BA) today issued a Circular, which provides an update on the latest COVID-19 developments in addition to previously providing Guidelines for participants to follow when participating in Bowls activities.

Bowls SA also notes that the Bowls Australia Circular acknowledges each Pennant Competition Administrator will also need to consider and respond to local factors and circumstances to postpone Pennant competition until further notice. It is acknowledged that several Associations and Clubs have already completed their respective season or alternatively closed their facilities.

Having considered the announcement by Bowls Australia and the latest advice from the Federal Government, Bowls South Australia advises all clubs and associations that, effective immediately, it is suspending all scheduled fixtures in the following Bowls South Australia administered competitions, programs and events until further notice.

1. MGA Women’s Country Carnival March 30^th – April 5th
2. Alexandrina Senior Supa Series April 6^th – 8^th
3. Prestige Medley April 18^th – 19^th
4. Champions week April 26^th – May 3^rd
5. Bowls SA Awards night May 22^nd
6. Regional & State Fiveaa Night Owl Finals, Mallala 18 March – Semaphore 24 March- Toorak Burnside 24 March- Victor Harbor 25 March- Salisbury 25 March- Ascot Park 31 March- Ascot Park 5 April

7. Berri Barmera Senior Supa Series May 4^th & 5^th
8. All State events inclusive of remaining Champion of Champion matches, State Multi-Disability & Australian Indoor Qualifying
9. All Elite program trainings inclusive of Under 18, development, state training squads & elite squad trials

Entry Fees for all events that have yet to commence will be refunded in full. Bowls SA ask for your patience as we administer this process.

This decision to postpone has taken into account the impact of the playing matches behind closed doors, the availability of teams, officials, volunteers as well as feedback and input from players, club and association officials in relation to what is appropriate for their respective broader Bowls community.

In addition, it is the recommendation of Bowls SA that all Clubs’ and Associations’ training and social events should also be suspended for this period of time.

Bowls South Australia intends to use the period of postponement to further consult with its clubs and associations, health experts, government and the Bowls in Australia national framework.

Please be advised that at this point in time above competitions and events are suspended and not cancelled. We will consider potential options to reactivate our competitions, including reformatting or extending scheduled seasons as we are better informed and placed to make those decisions.

Where possible Bowls SA is looking to reduce face to face contact with groups of people. This will also impact the delivery of proposed Club development workshops, training centre courses, coaching courses and committee meetings. Bowls SA will attempt to provide electronic training resources for clubs and members throughout this difficult time.

 

Bowls SA will continue to inform all stakeholders of further developments, in this every changing environment.

 

Mark Easton

Chief Executive Officer

Bowls SA