Lawn Bowls Allowed under Coronavirus Restrictions

Now there is no question mark over the legality of Clubs opening their greens for the purposes of lawn bowls.   Advice previously given by Bowls NSW and Women's Bowls NSW  that roll-up could be conducted by Clubs under certain strict social distancing conditions, was brought into question on the Central Coast.   Local Police advised that the Public Health Order had not been changed in line with  what Bowls NSW and Women's Bowls NSW was advising Clubs and  Clubs and Bowlers following their advice may be liable for substantial fines.

Yesterday (19/05/2020) Minister for Health and Health Research, Brad Hazzard signed an exemption to the Public Health Orders on Covid-19 Restrictions to allow lawn bowling subject to the following conditions:
1. Only 10 persons are permitted on a bowling green at any one time.
2. Notwithstanding the above, the maximum number of persons is exclusive of any staff and/or game officials.
3. At all times every individual on the bowling green (other than members of the same household) shall maintain physical distancing of 1.5 metres where practicable and safe.
4. The licensee of the registered club or pub must:
    a. take reasonable steps to record the name and phone number of each person on the premises to play lawn bowls;
    b. keep the records referred to above for 4 weeks; and
    c. provide a copy of the records to the Ministry of Health if required for the purpose of contact tracing.

Bowls Central Coast is most relieved that this issue has been resolved.  We thank our local police for their valid advice to our Clubs, and we thank Bowls NSW for liaising with the Department of Health to get this exemption for Lawn Bowls.