The ESMBA have issued a statement concerning short mat bowls clubs that have achieved “Safe Club” status. Those Norfolk clubs that have received their “Safe Club” certificates should read through the statement. Norfolk of course is currently in Tier Two although this will be reviewed by the government in due course. Clubs who registered members for the 2020/21 period with the NCSMBA and ESMBA are advised that their membership cards will be forwarded to them shortly. Norfolk’s application for “Safe Club” status, to enable the county to hold sessions at Hingham for bowlers whose clubs are unable to currently play, is still under review at ESMBA level. It is understood that a couple of other counties have also now applied. Obviously while Norfolk remains in Tier Two this would not be possible anyway. But many hope that in the Governments next review of Tiers both Norfolk, and neighbouring county Suffolk, may possibly be moved back into Tier One.
ESMBA Coronavirus statement 1st December 2020
The ESMBA Management Committee have reviewed the current Government guidelines for the return to sport under each tier. At present the ESMBA are awaiting clarification for pairs play under Tier Two between different households/support bubbles and until such time as that is received the following conditions apply. Tier One – Medium Risk For ‘Safe Bowls’ certificated clubs that have affiliated members • Affiliated members may return to bowls as previously agreed within their documentation for play from different households. • Affiliated members from family and support bubbles can play in approved pairs formats on each rink mat. • Supervised Affiliated Under 18 and/or Disability specific short mat bowls are allowed to continue to operate. Tier Two – High Risk For ‘Safe Bowls’ certificated clubs that have affiliated members • Two affiliated members from different households and support bubbles may return for singles play on each rink mat. • Affiliated members from family and support bubbles can play in approved pairs formats on each rink mat. • Supervised Affiliated Under 18 and/or Disability specific short mat bowls is allowed to continue to operate. Tier Three – Very High Risk For ‘Safe Bowls’ certificated clubs that have affiliated members • Affiliated members from family and support bubbles can play in approved pairs formats on each rink mat. • Supervised Affiliated Under 18 and/or Disability specific short mat bowls is allowed to continue to operate. • There shall be no games played with different households or support bubbles We would remind all ‘Safe Bowls’ clubs that it is for affiliated members only. Clubs that have failed to affiliate will have their status removed with immediate effect and are no longer authorised by the ESMBA to return to bowls under any Tier.
Barry Hedges
On behalf of the ESMBA Management Committee