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Bowls Canada Releases Phase 1 of Return to Play Framework

Ottawa (ON) | May 15, 2020

With many provinces looking at how to return to a new normal, bowls clubs will be turning their attention to how they might return to play.  Every province is at a different state of readiness and will have different guidelines or requirements from their local health authority. Recognizing that, there are some key steps that clubs will need to consider before developing their return to play protocols.

1. Consult with their provincial bowls association.  Provincial governments are working with their respective provincial sporting associations to share standards and requirements they expect to see in return to play protocols for local sport clubs in their province.

2. Consult with insurance providers on return to play liability implications.  Don’t make assumptions on your coverage as the insurance industry is having to adapt rapidly to ever changing liability considerations during these unprecedented times.

3. Identify the stage of physical distance relaxation being implemented by your local municipal or regional health authorities.  With rates of infection varying widely throughout a province, many municipalities have had to implement restrictions in addition to the provincial standards.

Bowls Canada is recommending a phased in approach to return to play.  Once a club has confirmed their readiness to return to play, they  will need to identify which Return to Play Phase best meets their situation

Lawn Bowls Return to Play Phases:

• Phase 1 – training and practice only
  
• Phase 2 – modified local games
  
• Phase 3 – intra club games
  
• Phase 4 -- regional/provincial competition
  

“It’s wonderful to see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel as provinces and territories begin implementing their reopening plans,” said Bowls Canada Executive Director Anna Mees.  “It is critical that we continue to prioritize the health and well being of all of our participants across the country as clubs consider their Return to Play plans.  This phased in approach will ensure that clubs opening their doors have implemented the safety considerations that will continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

The Frameworks for the remaining phases will be released over the next weeks as reopening plans across the country continue to evolve.
Phase 1 of a National Return to Play Framework is available HERE.

For more information, please contact:
Anna Mees, Executive Director, Bowls Canada Boulingrin
amees@bowlscanada.com

 

About Bowls Canada Boulingrin
Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is the governing body responsible for lawn bowls in Canada.  The BCB mission is to advance the sport of bowls in Canada.  For more details on Bowls Canada Boulingrin and the sport of lawn bowls, visit www.bowlscanada.com.