An Update From TBA : 4th June 2020

Dear Bowling Community,

It’s been a few weeks since our last update and we’d like to share the progress that has been made and what work has been going on behind the scenes to assist bowling centres around the country to open once again. 

All States and Territories have seen an easing of Government restrictions however the rules and regulations vary considerably. Keeping on top of 8 sets of guidelines which are changing regularly has been challenging to say the least. 

The next few weeks will be critical as we await the outcome of the eased restrictions and the impact this has on the number of new COVID-19 transmissions.  These results will undoubtedly impact the timing and nature of further changes to restrictions.  It is important that as restrictions ease we all continue to be vigilant and do our part to keep the community and ourselves safe. 

You will have seen community sport start to return in your local areas in various forms and are no doubt asking when bowling will be back?  Unfortunately indoor sports will be amongst the last to return as indoor activities are deemed to have a higher risk for COVID-19 transmissions, regardless of whether the sport is non-contact. 

There are also tight restrictions on the number of people allowed in indoor venues under Stage 2 that may be untenable for the majority of bowling centres.  TBA and our State Associations have been working closely with the bowling industry to finalise the National Return to Play Guidelines and create plans and policies that also comply with the requirements of each State and Territory. 

Tenpin Bowling Australia recently released the Guidelines for Return to Play to support a safe pathway to return to tenpin bowling.  In line with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport and National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, the guidelines provide a minimum set of standards and aim to provide clarity for both bowlers and bowling centres as to how the sport will resume, bearing in mind that restrictions differ in each State and Territory.  

Return to Play Guidelines and the COVID-19 Hub

In addition to the Guidelines for Return to Play, TBA is pleased to launch our COVID-19 hub that contains just about everything you need to know about COVID-19 and the process for re-commencing our sport.  The site contains the most up to date information regarding the current restrictions in your State or Territory, a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for bowlers and centres along with the changes to the rules of our sport to ensure that we can get you back bowling as soon as possible.  Please take the time to check out www.tenpin.org.au/covid-19 hub and start preparing your return to bowling!

If you missed the results of the Return to Bowling survey we were delighted to hear that 68% of respondents are keen to return to bowling straight away with a further 19% wanting some further information from their centre before making a final decision.  That is great news indeed!  A sincere thanks to all our members who took the time to complete the survey and provide some highly valuable feedback.

We appreciate that this is a frustrating time as we await further clarification on when bowling can re-commence.  Please remember to stay in touch with your centre to confirm their plans for re-opening.  We will continue to keep you updated as further information comes to hand.