IN THE world of bowls — one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular summer sports — a much more cautious approach has been taken by clubs towards resuming play after lockdown rules were relaxed.
With most of the 980 Bowls England affiliated players on the Island aged over 70, many are reluctant to return.
Only Ryde Marina, of the Island’s 11 clubs, has started play, albeit as a three-day trial, to see if an immediate return is feasible, with the committee’s final decision to continue resting on how well players followed Bowls England’s safety guidance, issued last Sunday.
Club rules include a maximum of two players per rink, with alternate rinks available for play to allow strict social distancing between games, and players should only use their own equipment.
Changing rooms and clubhouses will remain shut, but clubhouses will allow access to toilets.
Disability Bowls England put out similar guidance, with the addition disability aids and wheelchairs must be sanitised before and after play.
Most club committees have planned online meetings for next week to discuss the way forward.
Sandown plans to open on June 1 and Cowes Medina are inching towards it by designing a new online booking system in readiness.
Terry Thorner, secretary of Bowls IW, said: “Bowls England has produced some very strict rules for clubs, which will be very difficult for them to adhere to and police.
“The clubs I’ve spoken to are reluctant to get too involved at the moment, especially as most players are in the higher risk age category for Covid-19.
“All leagues, cups and friendlies have been scrapped and at least seven clubs say they will not welcome touring teams.
“The general feeling among Island clubs is they are not going to open. They are very tentative about dipping their toes in the water.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Comments are closed on this article