‘No Jab, No Play’ Policy endorsed by Bowls SA Board
In response to the South Australian Government’s recently implemented COVID-Ready Plan, and following extensive consultation with associations, clubs, and players across the State, the Bowls SA Board has endorsed a ‘No Jab, No Play’ Policy.
This policy, which comes into effect from Monday, 10 January, 2022, will make it a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in the delivery and participation of all Association pennant competitions and Bowls SA events, including State Events and training courses, to be fully vaccinated.
However, the mandating of a ‘No Jab, No Play’ Policy for individual clubs is a decision that is up to each club and how they wish to proceed.
This decision comes following a State-wide anonymous survey, which asked participants to:
- Anonymously advise on their vaccine status and intentions (for those not fully vaccinated).
- In relation to bowls facilities, state their preference for the mandatory requirement of vaccinations, except where legitimate medical exemptions applied.
6,576 individuals involved in bowls at various levels and in different roles here in South Australia took part in the survey.
Those roles included club committee members, club volunteers or staff members, club members, social members, club visitors and others.
85% of participants in the survey were in favour of mandatory vaccines.
93% said they have received their first and second dose of a COVID vaccine.
This information, along with that gathered from a meeting between Bowls SA and all associations on November 22, was then originally presented to the Bowls SA Board on Tuesday, 30 November for discussion.
The Board then met again last night to reassess the situation, with a decision to endorse a ‘No Jab, No Play’ Policy made following a lengthy discussion between Bowls SA Board Directors.
Bowls SA Caretaker CEO Taryn Sexton said the decision was “not made lightly”.
“The implementation of a ‘No Jab, No Play’ Policy is something that we have been discussing extensively over the past three weeks, as we wanted to make sure we had all aspects covered,” she said.
“Following discussions with associations and the feedback we received from our state-wide survey, it was clear to see that there was a strong preference for such policy to be put in place.
“We embrace the opportunity to be a leader in the South Australian sporting community and show how much we value the health and safety of our players and volunteers, who are mostly part of a very vulnerable demographic.”
Further information regarding the implementation of this policy will be communicated to players, clubs and associations.
Bowls SA encourages all players, clubs and associations to continue to follow the ongoing advice from SA Health and the SA Government.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact Bowls SA on 8234 7544 or email reception@bowlssa.com.au.
