Bowls Scotland cancels all events for 2020 term

Bowls action on Borders greens and across the rest of the country has been suspended after a board decision to cancel all Bowls Scotland events for the 2020 season.
Lawn bowls is among a huge swathe of sports to be affected by the coronavirus crisis precautions (archive image)Lawn bowls is among a huge swathe of sports to be affected by the coronavirus crisis precautions (archive image)
Lawn bowls is among a huge swathe of sports to be affected by the coronavirus crisis precautions (archive image)

As the national governing body for lawn bowls in Scotland, the group explained it had a duty of care to all its members and clubs to put people’s health first.

Bowls is an inclusive sport, accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities,” said a Bowls Scotland statement.

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“ We have been closely monitoring the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 and have taken on board advice from the Scottish Government. Following significant deliberation, the board has taken this decision in the interest of protecting our members, particularly those in the most vulnerable groups.

At an emergency meeting on Wednesday, it was decided to cancel the Bowls Scotland National Championships (stages one and two), Ladies National Top 10, Linda Brennan Ladies U25 Pairs and the Andrew Hamilton Trophy.

“Moving forward, we will not be accepting any applications from clubs for our Try Bowls programme, pending further government guidance. We will also not be running any introduction, level one or level two bowls coaching courses until further notice,” added the statement.

“We fully understand many clubs may suffer financial or operational difficulties due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we have, therefore, put in place a series of support packages.

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Capitation fees, national competition entry fees and tournament licences fees for the 2020 season would be returned to all clubs and associations which had already paid, while a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document had been released on the group website for all its clubs and members.

“We will also be setting up a Bowls Scotland Helpline that will be available for any officials of member clubs to phone and receive assistance with any queries or concerns. A development team will continue to host online webinars for anyone looking for additional safeguarding and club support. Bowls Scotland is also looking at setting up a new club support rund to assist clubs through this difficult period.”

The board is currently considering options for competitive bowls later in the 2020 season, if the current circumstances change in sufficient time.

Bowls Scotland recommends its member clubs consider the health and welfare of every player, coach and volunteer and carefully follow Government advice relating to the delivery of any activities during this period of uncertainty.

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“We hope everyone will follow this strong recommendation. Bowls Scotland will notify all clubs when there are any changes to the Scottish Government’s advice,” continued the statement.

“We are also encouraging all Scottish bowlers to, where possible, continue to pay their membership fees for the upcoming season to help your club manage through this unprecedented situation. We will also continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to identify any new funding and financial support/relief which will hopefully be made accessible to all sports clubs in Scotland.

“Finally, please follow all the relevant advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. We would encourage you all to look after your own health and the health of your members. Bowls Scotland recognises that these are uncertain and unprecedented times for the bowling community and will remain in contact with clubs at this difficult time.”

Sue Beatt, chairman of Bowls Scotland, said: “Bowls Scotland, our clubs, members and the whole sport are unfortunately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“We have had to take these difficult decisions to cancel all our key events for the year. The welfare of all our members is a top priority to us, as an organisation, and we have carefully considered all options to do what’s best for the bowling community in Scotland.”

Expressing the board’s thanks to its CEO and all the staff for their hard work over the last couple of weeks, Ms Beatt added: “They have worked tirelessly, long hours and have reacted to an ever-changing situation. The Bowls Scotland Board and key staff will continue to hold weekly meetings to review and co-ordinate the organisations response to this ongoing and fluid situation.”

The National Centre for Bowling at Northfield in Ayr has now closed. However, the Bowls Scotland Office remains open, with all staff available by working remotely to support your club.

If you have any urgent requests, send them via email to [email protected] or phone the office in the usual manner on 01292 294623.

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Other external competitions which have been cancelled by the relevant organising bodies include the 2020 World Bowls Championships, 2020 IBD World Championships (Para-Bowls), 2020 World Bowls Indoor Championships, 2020 Para Bowls Home Nations, and all BIBC & BIWBC Championships and International Series – except BIBC Junior Internationals in September.