Bowls Canada
Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19
Q: Why was the decision made to cancel 2020 national championships and other BCB sanctioned events so early?
A: Provincial and federal governments have indicated it is unlikely for the COVID-19 situation to be over anytime soon in Canada. This means clubs will not likely be able to open on time, provinces are unlikely to be able to hold playdowns, and host clubs are unlikely to be able to prepare properly to host the events in these uncertain times.
The health and safety of our Bowls community, encompassing participants, players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, officials and spectators, is paramount to the decision to issue this advisory, as many of these groups typically belong to demographics that are especially susceptible to the effects of the virus.
As Covid-19 remains a rapidly changing and evolving global situation, BCB will continue to work with relevant government authorities and will provide the Bowls community with new and updated information as it comes to hand.
BCB is determined to be part of the whole-of-community response to slow the spread of this virus and safeguard the health and wellbeing of the bowls community – and in doing so, help the broader community and our health systems to cope during this difficult period.
Q: Will there still be Bowls Day?
A: For 2020, Bowls Day will be cancelled. We look forward to a 2021 Bowls Day that will be bigger and better than ever.
Q: Should we still be bowling this summer?
A: Clubs should follow the provincial and local advisories in place. While many bowlers will be anxious to get back on the green, safety comes first.
Q: Is BCB still going to charge a membership fee this summer?
A: No. However, we encourage all bowlers to still pay their fees to the club and provincial associations to support their clubs through this difficult time. Clubs and Provincial Associations will still need to fund essential services such as greens maintenance, lease payments, insurance etc. Your support in 2020 will help ensure clubs are able to stay viable.
Q: What should a club tell its members?
A: The health and wellbeing of the club’s members is top priority. At all times, the club should adhere to municipal, provincial, and federal guidelines/regulations.
Q: Can we bowl alone at the club?
A: At the present time we do not recommend it. The governments are urging people to stay home so we can “flatten the curve”. This means people should stay home for nonessential tasks. We will continue to assess the situation as information becomes available, but for now the priority should be on doing our part to isolate and stop the spread.
Q: Can we still run an Open House?
A: At the present time, it is not recommended to run an Open House as this constitutes a gathering of people. Please monitor the situation and when it is safe to have social gatherings, reassess your Open Houses at that time.
Q: Should greenskeepers still cut the greens?
A: If the club can afford to do so, and it is safe to do so, then yes. Follow all government regulations and ensure that no one is increasing their risk by cutting the greens: safety first!
Q: What is going to happen to National Championships?
A: All national championships for 2020 are cancelled. We are currently working with provincial associations and hosts to determine next steps for 2021.
Q: What if we already won our provincial playdown to compete in the 2020 National Championships?
A: This would be up to your provincial association to decide how to handle. We would allow those provincial winners to represent the province in 2021 if that is what the provincial association would like to do.
Q: Will the North American Challenge (NAC) be cancelled?
A: Yes, the 2020 NAC is cancelled. Bowls Canada and Bowls USA are working together to identify a date to host the NAC in 2021.
Q: Will the BCB office be open?
A: The BCB office will be closed, however staff are working remotely. This means no orders will be filled for the foreseeable future. Staff are still available through their personal email and through the office email: office@bowlscanada.com
0: Can I still order pins?
A: You can, but we will not be able to fill your order at this time, as the building in which the BCB office resides is currently closed.
0: Do I still need to take Respect in Sport training?
A: Yes. Once the bowling season picks back up, the Respect in Sport training will still be a requirement. Completing this FREE training is a great activity for everyone practicing social distancing or self-isolating. You can access through this link.
0: Will coaching workshops still be run?
A: All coach workshops will be postponed for the time being. BCB will look to offer virtual coach workshops in the future.
0: Can I still coach someone 1-on-1?
A: It is not recommended to coach someone in-person at the present time, however with the changing environment, this could change at any time. It is recommended that Competition Coaches and Performance Coaches still maintain virtual contact with their athletes and coach them virtually if possible.
0: Can groups still use the clubhouse?
A: Clubs should follow municipal, provincial, and federal guidelines/regulations.
Q: What if we can’t afford our bills this year?
A: Talk to your utility providers about what can be done. There are many relief packages being put together at this time. As well, talk to your local city/municipality to see if they can be of assistance. Reach out to your provincial association and keep them in the loop. Bowls Canada and Provincial Associations are continuing to work together to find ways to support you.
0: Can we still have our AGMs and other meetings?
A: At the present time, we would recommend that you do not hold in-person meetings, but instead have meetings by phone (conference calls) or online (email and webinar). There are various tools you can use (Zoom, Go-To-Webinar, Skype etc.) that you can look into for this.