Hi Everyone,

Bowls New Zealand have issued their recommendation following the announcement by the Government on Monday 25 May 2020 that permits groups of up to 100 as opposed to 10.

In essence BNZ have made no changes to their current recommendations to remain closed until a Level 1., other than advising that it should be easier for some clubs to open. They are still saying a maximum of 36 players per green playing on a maximum of 6 rinks.

For MBBC, David Pearse tells me that we can achieve 6 rinks on our carpet green by shifting the rink pegs, which is great.

It appears that by early July we will be in level 1 when social distancing disappears so greater numbers should be allowed then. Until level 1, social distancing rules still apply, which means 2 metres from strangers and 1 metre from those within the group.

BNZ seem to  be saying that players are now considered a group and can change rinks after games and social distancing rules are down to 1 metre.

So MBBC will follow these guideline.

Your board has agreed that the club facilities can be opened to members from noon on Friday 29th on the following basis.

• If we have organisers prepared to run an event, it should be Triples or Pairs only. Play to be on a maximum of 6 rinks  i.e. 12 teams.
• The clubrooms can be opened subject to the 1 metre separation rule and a maximum of 100 people.
• The bar can operate again with a 100 limit but also following the 3s’s rules. Seated, separated and single service. (I believe that David and Colleen  have this under control.)
• Organisers must maintain a contacts register of all attendees at their event. Sheets are available in the clubrooms and MUST be filled out by all attendees. Entry sheets do not meet this government mandated requirement.
• Everyone attending must use sanitisation products before commencement of play, before changing rinks and before entering the clubrooms. Jacks , mats and scoreboards must be thoroughly washed between games.
• All regular touch surfaces need to thoroughly wiped after the event.

The consequences of not complying are we could be shut down and the consequences of an infection (even however remote) don’t bear thinking about.

On behalf of the Board
Stuart Jamieson