The objective of this document is to detail how the club will reopen whilst safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its members.
The document and protocols within are based on the guidance and advice issued by The UK Government and more specifically, Bowls England https://www.bowlsengland.com/coronavirus-guidance/ as approved by The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The overriding principle for reopening is based on the following Government announcement
released on 13th May 2020 that states: “You can play lawn bowls where facilities have reopened, but you can only take part in these activities by yourself, or with members of your household or with one person outside of your household, as long as you are able to maintain social distancing.”
Unfortunately at this time, we must all accept that a full return to the game, including the social element that forms such a large part of our game, is simply not possible at this time. Accordingly, the philosophy that we must adopt is that we are reopening for physical exercise for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Arrangements for Playing
The green will reopen WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY 2020. Three rinks will be available to play on each day, 1 – 3 – 5 or 2 – 4 – 6. Open rinks will alternate on successive days to ensure even wear across the green
In order to play you will need to have pre booked a rink. You can book a rink by contacting The Club Secretary on 07956 220691. When booking a rink you and the person playing with you will be confirming that you both agree to the following terms and conditions and will adhere to them.
In advance
- Do not go to the club if you are experiencing any coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or any cold or flu-like symptoms, in particular a cough or a high temperature. Use the NHS 111 website or helpline and seek advice. For your own protection, follow the advice about self-isolation if you are, or are living with, someone in one of the vulnerable groups.
- Dress appropriately before you get to the club to avoid the need to change clothes – change shoes immediately before and after your game.
- Travel to the green on your own or with members of your own household only – do not offer a lift to, or accept a lift from, anyone outside your household. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your allocated booking time.
- All players must be members of the Market Harborough Conservative Club and a Member of the bowls section (see frequently asked questions section).
- No visitors/spectators are permitted on the premises/green.
- Those booking rinks will be asked for the MHCC membership number of each player. (This is the membership number of the main Club and can be found on the card / car parking sticker issued by them.)
- You must play on your assigned rink.
- Playing time on each rink is restricted to 1 hour 40 minutes.
- 5 playing slots will be available Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at the following times
- 10:00 – 11:40
- 12:00 – 13:40
- 14:00 – 15:40
- 16:00 – 17:40
18:00 – 19:40
3 playing slots will be available on Monday and Friday at the following times
- 14:00 – 15:40
- 16:00 – 17:40
- 18:00 – 19:40
The reduced number of playing slots on Monday and Friday are to allow for green maintenance.
Unfortunately there is no flexibility in playing slot times; this is to ensure that the maximum number of rinks is available to the maximum number of members who wish to play.
The 20 minute interval between slots is to allow players to arrive and leave the premises. Therefore you must leave the premises 1 hour 50 minutes after the beginning of your playing slot at the latest.
You may arrive on the premises 10 minutes before the start of playing slot. Please remain in your cars for as long as possible before entering the green area. These arrangements are required to reduce the potential for contact whilst players arrive and leave the club.
When accessing the green please observe the one way system in place and enter the green via the top gate (nearest the pavilion) and exit via the bottom gate at the far end of the green.
Please sanitise any gates/locks that you touch.
The maximum number of playing slots that each member can book each week is 2. Again this is in the interests of fairness to ensure that all members have equal opportunity to play.
Committee members will be making spot checks to ensure that the arrangements in place are effective and adhered to.
Playing Format
Until further notice the playing format on all rinks will be singles (2 players on each rink). A maximum of 6 players on the green at any given time.
- One member may play alone.
- Two members from the same household may play on the same rink and do not need to practice social distancing from each other, but must maintain social distancing from other members on the green or premises.
- One member may play another member not in their household, but must maintain social distancing at all times.
- Unfortunately club equipment will not be available for use therefore members will need to provide their own equipment.
- 2 x Mats, personal bowls mats, carpet, car mats may be used. These should be regulation size, 360mm x 600mm (14’ x 24’).
- 2 x Jacks, personal jacks, or, for example a tennis ball may be used.
- Means for scoring, where required.
- Bowling arm/lifter (for use by one person only if required)
- Equipment is available for purchase online from various sources at reasonable prices
- Means to sanitise all equipment before and after use.
One player must be nominated to set the mat, while the other will be required to set the jack. The same players must undertake these tasks throughout the duration of the session.
- Do not shake hands before, during or after the game.
- Do not ‘high five’ or hug other players to celebrate shots or a win.
- If scoring
- Social distancing must be strictly adhered to at all times
- Do not touch your opponents bowls
- Avoid measuring for shot/s
- Social distancing rules must be strictly adhered to ; you must remain at least two metres apart from other bowlers (who are not part of your households) at all times.
Facilities
Unfortunately none of the usual facilities are available at this time
- The pavilion/changing rooms are closed
- All club equipment has been made inaccessible
- Toilet and handwashing facilities are closed
- Green furniture has been removed
- There are no refuse bins available, you must take your rubbish home with you.
- Take any food, drink and chairs that you might need with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can clinically vulnerable people (such as people aged 70 and over) participate in lawn bowls?
The advice for clinically vulnerable groups remains the same. If you are in this group you are advised to stay at home as much as possible and, if you do go out, take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household. If you are living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at and exercise at home.
All Membership subscriptions must be paid before booking rinks.
Club Membership Subscription
2020 membership subscriptions are as follows
Market Harborough Conservative Club
(enter club membership fees)
Market Harborough Conservative Bowls Club
- Under 65’s – £43:00
- Over 65’s – £30:00
Please make your cheques payable to – Market Harborough Conservative Club Bowls Club and write the names of those that the fees represent on the back of the cheque or on a small note. Then POST to The Bowls Club Treasurer – Mrs Kelly Humphrey. 11 Latimer Crescent. Little Bowden. Leicestershire. LE16 8AP. No hand delivered cheques please.
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