COVID-19 LEAGUE BOWLING ADVICE
By Tenpin Bowling Australia
As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly evolves, TBA is committed to working with the industry and our dedicated league bowlers through these challenging times to find a common sense approach to allow league bowling to continue where appropriate.
We have a frequently asked question document regarding league, tournament and associations concerning the coronavirus. This can be downloaded here.
The Australian Government has provided all national sporting organisations guidelines to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
All community sport participants play a role to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including those organising, attending or supporting attendance in our sport.
Below are some alternative arrangements that bowling centres may adopt providing potential flexibility through this challenging time.
The existence and impact COVID-19 has on our sport is rapidly evolving. TBA will continue to monitor the situation and the impact it has on all elements of our sport. TBA will continue to follow the advice and restrictions provided by the Australian federal government.
Pre-bowling
TBA’s preferred approach is for leagues to pre-bowl where possible. Firstly, this is allowable within the rules of the sport and secondly, helps to reduce the number of people gathered at the one time which is particularly of importance for large leagues. Whilst we are aware that some league rules prohibit pre-bowling (either altogether or under certain circumstances), TBA will now allow pre-bowling for all leagues. The League Management Committee and the bowling centre should meet to discuss suitable options.
Postponed Matches
Currently, the TBA League, Tournament and General Playing Rules does not allow for postponed matches by individuals or teams unless the opposition individual or team competes at the same time and on the same pair of lanes.
Effective immediately until the end of April, TBA will allow postponed matches to be completed by individuals at any time deemed suitable by the individual and the bowling centre. In order to enact this change, this must first be approved by League Management in conjunction with the bowling centre. TBA may seek to extend this rule change beyond 30th April depending on the circumstances associated with the Coronavirus.
Leagues over 100 people
As per the Government guidelines released on 18th March, gatherings of people in indoor venues over 100 is now prohibited. Registered centres will have the responsibility to identify if any bowling leagues fall under this criteria. Similarly, if they have two leagues that play at the same time and collectively amount to more than 100 people, they will need to put in place contingencies to combat the threshold advised by the government. Whilst this will be at the centres’ discretion to determine the most appropriate way forward, options may include staggered start times for leagues competing on the same day or encouraging pre-bowling.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this, please contact the National Office [email protected]
