Following the Government’s announcement over the new Tier 1, 2 & 3 system the ESMBA have issued a statement which is copied below. With Norfolk currently still in Tier 1 all clubs with Safe Club Status in the county can continue as per the approved protocols. The number of clubs in Norfolk who have gained “Safe Club Status” has now risen to eleven with Haddiscoe, Harling, Outwell, Shropham & Taverham now added to the six clubs announced in September who were Connaught, First Bus, Forncett, Hingham, Horsford BC & Thetford. But there are many NCSMBA clubs are currently unable to resume short mat bowls for various reasons, many because their venues remain closed. In an effort to help Norfolk bowlers who are members of these clubs, the Norfolk CSMBA Safeguarding Officer has applied for “Safe Club Status” with the intention of holding sessions at the county venue in Hingham. This is currently being considered at ESMBA level. Clubs in areas of the country who are now in Tier 2 will be impacted by the ESMBA announcement, for example twelve of the thirteen clubs in Essex SMBA who gained “Safe Club Status” are now in this situation. Suffolk SMBA have just three clubs with “Safe Club Status” and while Carlton Colville & Hollesley remain in Tier 1 Holland on Sea are now in Tier 2. The four clubs in Cambridgeshire who have achieved “Safe Club Status” remain in Tier 1. The applications across the country for “Safe Club Status” have been mixed. West Sussex have been active with twenty-four of their clubs awarded that status while North Yorkshire have twenty-two clubs listed. At the other end of the scale Shropshire, Derbyshire, West Mids, Cheshire, West Yorkshire and Worcestershire have yet to have a club awarded “Safe Club Status”.
ESMBA STATEMENT
‘Safe Bowls’ Update 17th October 2020. The Government have now introduced a tier system for the Country, whilst the ESMBA await further updates from the DCMS and Sport England, the Management Committee have decided to err on the side of caution. With effect of 17th October 2020 the rules for clubs in the following tiers are as follows: Tier 1 Postcodes can continue as per the approved protocols. Tier 2 Postcodes can only allow single households or social bubbles per rink mat, these members MUST NOT mix with any other individuals. Tier 3 Postcodes Sport and physical activity can be played as per the guidance under Tier 2. These restrictions are put in place not just to protect the bowls family but the wider communities that we play and live in. We hope that these restrictions are only temporary and as soon as we have agreed procedures in place to play again, we will update you all.