t March Town BC

North Cambs EWBF President Sue Tolliday, shirt sponsor David Chandler and Deputy President Sandra Chandler.

Christine Wadlow winner of the Holley Shield with 18 points, 2nd was Paula Klein with 14 points and third jointly Chris Gollands, Sue Tolliday/Lynne Quibell with 13 points.

English Bowling Federation (EBF) Return to Play (RTP) Guidance Update 3, Issued: 11th May 2021

As per the government roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions, further restrictions have now been lifted. From the 17^th May 2021 providing the affiliated Counties, Clubs and members follow this guidance to return to play safely.

This RTP guidance should be used in conjunction with the latest government guidance and may change to reflect any changes made by the UK government.

This guidance is effective from midnight, Monday 17^th May 2021 and replaced all other guidance issued by the EBF.

This guidance falls under the classification of organised sport in accordance with the issued Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) guidance and covers:

For the avoidance of doubt any activity that is not listed above falls outside of the scope of the organised sport category and falls into the informal activity category where different rules apply. This includes casual play such as ‘roll-ups’.

The government have given an exemption for organised sport regarding the numbers of people that can mix and the relevant organising body (club, county, league or governing body) must consider the risks and set out ways to mitigate them so people can participate safely in accordance with this guidance. Informal or self-organised sport is not covered by any exemptions.

We can now confirm that all restrictions on formats and numbers for organised activity under the jurisdiction of English Bowling Federation will be removed. It is now permissible for clubs to use all rinks at any one time.

Social Interaction before and after play can only take place in separate and distinct groups consisting of up to 30 people. We recognise that each club is different and may wish to set its own limit for numbers of people off the green at any one time.

It is hoped that from Monday 21 June we would expect all restrictions to be lifted. The guidance to affiliated clubs will be updated once the government has confirmed the country is moving to Step 4.

Equipment: Where possible players should try to avoid using shared equipment; Players are advised to have their own mat/jack during any session. If you are sharing equipment, for example jacks/mats you should then sanitise your hands prior to and after touching the equipment. Players must use their own measures. The following items can be utilised during any session: Mats, Bowls, Jacks, Rink markers, Gloves, Scorecards, and Scoreboards if possible these should be retained by one person.

Hygiene & Health
Everyone should sanitise their hands before and after the game and at regular intervals during the game especially if you have to touch communal surfaces or equipment. Handshakes should not happen at any time. Once you are home, remember to wash your hands thoroughly.

If you or anyone living in the same household as you are showing any COVID-19 symptoms, or you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home and not play bowls until you are permitted to leave you house under the current quarantine guidance issued by the government.

Hospitality Clubhouses and facilities that serve food and drink can open. In Step 3, both indoor and outdoor hospitality will be permitted. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance for hospitality.

Track and Trace
All clubs are required to keep records of who has played each day and with whom for a period of 21 days to support NHS Track and Trace. It is recommended that the club display an NHS QR code if possible so that participants can scan using a mobile device.

Changing, Toilets, Clubhouse’s
Changing rooms can be opened, but participants should be encouraged to avoid or minimise use where possible. Participants should socially distance whilst in changing rooms. Subject to available space, more than one household can use changing facilities at one time but they must not mix and must adhere to capacity limits set by the club. Face coverings should be worn at all times when indoors. Toilet facilities can also open

Cleaning protocols should be put in place to limit COVID-19 transmission in public places. Touch points (e.g. handrails and gates) should be particular areas of focus for increased cleaning.

Spectators
Spectators for all outdoor bowls are permitted at Step 3, but need to adhere to social distancing rules and social gathering limits (groups of 30 outdoors).

Travel
Travel can take place for the purpose of sport and physical activity. Car sharing will now be permitted.

Vaccines
You do not need to be vaccinated to particate in bowls and clubs should not stop anyone who has not been vaccinated from playing.

Risk Assessments
All clubs should carry out a risk assessment prior to retuning to play. It is advised that clubs have a session booking system and include suitable gaps between each session to ensure maximum group limits aren’t exceeded.

Club and other meetings Up to 30 people are permitted to meet outdoors from Monday 17th May. Should you wish to meet indoors you must stick to the rules on social gathering, of six people (the ‘rule of six’) or two households. Sport specific guidance on organising virtual meetings, including Committee Meetings and AGMs, is available from Sport England Club Matters.

This guidance will be updated at each stage of the Roadmap to reflect changes as approved by the government.

English Bowling Federation (EBF) Return to Play (RTP) Guidance ~ Update 2, Issued: 12th April 2021

As per the announced government roadmap for the easing of lock-down restrictions organised outdoor sport can re-commence from Monday 29^th March 2021 providing the affiliated Counties, Clubs and members follow this guidance to return to play safely.

This RTP guidance should be used in conjunction with the latest government guidance and may change to reflect any changes made by the UK government.

This guidance is effective from midnight, Monday 12^th April 2021 and replaced all other guidance issued by the EBF.

This guidance falls under the classification of organised sport in accordance with the issued Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) guidance and covers:

Any combination of formats may be played under the ‘organised sport’ exemption. Players must follow social gathering limits before and after the activity.

The maximum number of participants on a six-rink outdoor green for ‘organised’ or informal activity at any one time should not exceed 24. Clubs with less or additional rink capacity may amend figures accordingly (average four people per rink) so long as they deem it to be safe.

Social interaction before and after play should only take place in separate and distinct groups consisting of up to six people or two households.

If activity falls with the Informal Activity category, and will need to follow the guidance on outdoor legal gathering limits as this is considered to be informal or self-organised sport. This includes any casual play (for example ‘roll-ups’) and any activity involving clubs, leagues or associations not affiliated to the English Bowling Federation.

Equipment
You should use your own equipment and only you should handle your equipment. Where shared items such as jacks and mats are used you should sanitise your hands prior and after touching the equipment. Scorecards should be retained by one person during a game.

Any other equipment should be used by one person only during a game where possible. If this is not possible hands should be sanitised prior to and after using the equipment.

Hygiene & Health
Everyone should sanitise their hands before and after the game and at regular intervals during the game. Handshakes are not permitted at any time.

Changing, Toilets, Clubhouse’s
Changing rooms can be opened, but participants should be encouraged to avoid or minimise use where possible. Participants should socially distance whilst in changing rooms. Subject to available space, more than one household can use changing facilities at one time but they must not mix and must adhere to capacity limits set by the club.

Cleaning protocols should be put in place to limit COVID-19 transmission in public places. Touch points (e.g. handrails and gates) should be particular areas of focus for increased cleaning.

Spectators
Spectators are not permitted in any outdoor bowls club, except on public land. When on public land, spectators should adhere to gathering limits in groups of six, or two households. Public land includes:

This restriction on spectators doesn't apply for people with disabilities, or adults needed to supervise under-18s in a safeguarding role. Where it's necessary for them to be present, supervising adults shouldn't mix with others from outside their household or support bubble.

Travel
Travel should be minimised but can take place for the purpose of sport and physical activity. Car sharing, however, isn't permitted.

Vaccines
You do not need to be vaccinated to particate in bowls and clubs should not ~~ban~~ stop anyone who has not been vaccinated from playing.

This guidance will be updated at each stage of the Roadmap to reflect changes as approved by the government.

Statement from Dave Woods EBF National Secretary ref. return to bowls protocols up to 17th May 2021

English Bowling Federation (EBF) Return to Play (RTP) Guidance Issued: 26^th March 2021

As per the announced government roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions organised outdoor sport can re-commence from Monday 29^th March 2021 providing the affiliated Counties, Clubs and members follow this guidance to return to play safely.

This RTP guidance should be used in conjunction with the latest government guidance and may change to reflect any changes made by the UK government.

This guidance is effective from midnight, Monday 29^th March 2021 and replaced all other guidance issued by the EBF.

This guidance falls under the classification of organised sport in accordance with the issued Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) guidance and covers:

The government have given an exemption for organised sport regarding the numbers of people that can mix and play at one time, whereas with informal sport the rule of 6 or the mixing of two households strictly applies.

* - When playing triples or fours there must be a rink free between each match to allow for social distancing.

Any combination of formats may be played, however there should be no more than an average of four people per rink on the green at any one time.

If activity falls with the Informal Activity category, then the ‘rule of six’ OR two households mixing only apply. For the avoidance of doubt, only singles, pairs and triples play are permitted to be played informally e.g. for a roll-up.

You should use your own equipment and only you should handle your equipment. Where shared items such as jacks and mats are used you should sanitise your hands prior and after touching the equipment. Scorecards should be retained by one person during a game.

Any other equipment should be used by one person only during a game where possible. If this is not possible hands should be sanitised prior to and after using the equipment.

Everyone should sanitise their hands before and after the game and at regular intervals during the game. Handshakes are not permitted at any time.

All clubs are required to keep records of who has played each day and with whom for a period of 21 days to support NHS Track and Trace. It is recommended that the club display an NHS QR code so that participants can scan using a mobile device. (What if people don’t have smart phones and should it be mentioned here about booking systems?)

Currently changing rooms are to remain closed. Toilets are permitted to be open as is hand washing facilities in line with COVID-19 safe guidelines e.g. One-way systems, limited numbers and social distancing. Everyone should come changed ready to play. Changing facilities can only be used in ~~the~~ an emergency situations or by disabled people who are taking part in organised sport and physical activity. Additional exceptions must be made for essential activity such as the provision of first aid or to essential equipment for games.

Cleaning protocols should be put in place to limit COVID-19 transmission in public places. Touch points (e.g. handrails and gates) should be particular areas of focus for increased cleaning.

Currently spectators are not permitted apart from carers for disabled people, or adults needed to supervise under 18’s in a safeguarding role. Where this is necessary adults should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble.

You may travel to participate in bowls. It is advised that you ~~should~~ remain local and avoid any unnecessary travel. Car sharing Is currently not permitted with someone outside your household or your support bubble.

You do not need to be vaccinated to participate in bowls and clubs should not stop anyone who has not been vaccinated from playing.

All clubs should carry out a risk assessment prior to retuning to play. It is advised that clubs have a session booking system and include suitable gaps between each session to ensure maximum group limits aren’t exceeded.

This guidance will be updated at each stage of the Roadmap to reflect changes as approved by the government.

Statement from Dave Woods EBF National Secretary ref. bowls dates in 2021/22

Good Evening All,

I hope we are all well and keeping safe.

There are a few decisions that we have had to make regarding what is happening this year. I have listed below some of the decisions we have taken.
We now know that nothing will change with the Lockdown until after 8th March it could also go on longer.

We have cancelled the NEC and NDC Meetings due on 14th March
but hope these can take place in the future when we know more about the government's decisions.

The Indoor Finals set to start on April 19th. have again been postponed, the problem we have is not knowing when the Indoor will open again
and we still have 5 Counties to play their finals.

We have provisionally re-arranged these for Monday, October 4th until Sunday, October 10th 2021 inclusive
subject to a directors meeting at Newark next week.

Next year's finals in April will be held Tuesday 19th April until Sunday 24th April. With the Eversley being played on Sunday 3rd April
owing to the Monday of our finals week being a bank holiday.

Outdoor we would see it going ahead as planned unless we hear of Lockdowns or Tiers in place after May.
The outdoor fixtures and forms for the County competitions have all gone out.

The dates for the finals are Saturday 21st August until Saturday 28th August 2021

Potters this year has now been cancelled this has just been agreed with Potters ( other groups will be told tomorrow )
The dates for 2022 are Monday 28th February to Friday 4th March.

We will not be holding last year's A.G.M. and will go ahead with this year's as planned in November. In the meantime,
if anyone has any questions please let me know.

Kind Regards Dave Woods E.B.F. National Secretary