Guidelines for Club Opening April 2021

22nd April 2021 2pm - The bowls club will be open for bowling!!

In these strange times it is essential that everyone coming along to the green can do so with confidence that it is safe and that they are complying with the current government and Bowls England guidance/rules. Taking these into account the committee has put together the following guidelines for Biddenden Bowls Club. A cautious approach is and will continue to be taken.

Please remember that it is still too soon to shake hands, high-five or hug other players to celebrate shots or a win or when we greet them however tempting it may be!

The following is a summary of the Guidelines for activities at the Green - updated 8th April 2021 - Please read the full guidelines on the COVID 19 Guidance Page

Social distancing rules must be adhered to and you must remain at least two metres apart from other bowlers, markers or coaches (who are not part of your household) at all times unless mitigating circumstances apply. This applies on and off the green.

Rule of 6 - Meetings at the green are permitted under the ‘rule of six’. The ‘rule of six’ enables up to six people to meet outdoors from Monday 29 March and this will cover work crews, familiarisation and planning sessions. The maximum number who can be at the green is 24 and this must be respected.

Booking - Any member(s) wishing to go to the green for a roll up or to play must “book a slot”. This includes Thursday Club Roll ups.

Booking is easy and can be done at short notice:

• Email – biddendenbowlsclub@gmail.com or via the contact page on the website
• Phone – 01233 860335 or 07795802630
• Face to Face when at the green – Talk to Kim or Paul
• WhatsApp - Kim
• Text – 07795802630

Say when you want to bowl (preferred date and time), who will be playing, marking or coaching Please ensure you receive a confirmation before going to the green. (If you are playing in a match or taking part in a planned activity you will be booked in by the team captain/organiser)

If you would like your first few sessions to be just your own household or with limited numbers, please let us know when you book.

Space between Rinks - there will always be a least half a rink space between rinks being used for play which means a maximum of 4 rinks will be in use.

Maximum of 6 players per rink and 24 players at the green at any one time.

Spectators who are not part of the bowls session are not permitted for the time being. (This will be reviewed in May)

Clusters – Those not on the green may only cluster in groups of up to 6 people with social distancing. This would apply where a bowler is resting between ends or sitting out a game.

Clubhouse and Facilities

The clubhouse, men’s changing room and equipment room will not be available. On Thursday club afternoons and for matches the equipment room will be open under the control of a committee member.

The accessible toilet with its hand washing facilities will remain unlocked. On Thursday club afternoons and for matches the main toilet block will be available but only one person should be in the ladies or gents at any one time.

Equipment

Wash or sanitise your hands and sanitise any equipment which you use before and after you play including the padlock – do not assume that the person before you has sanitised the equipment.

Equipment required for rollups will be available by the hygiene table. For guidance on use of mats, pushers and jacks please see the posters at the green.