I received some very sad news that ABA Past President Sam kennedy had recently passed away. Sam was not only President of the ABA but was President of the SBA (before the change to Bowls Scotland) and was President of the British Isles Association.
Unfortunately, i have no further information at present, which is mainly due to the ongoing isolation with the Covid-19. Our thoughts are with Sam's wife and family at this sad time.
Unfortunately, i have no further information at present, which is mainly due to the ongoing isolation with the Covid-19. Our thoughts are with Sam's wife and family at this sad time.
Club Secretaries/Treasurers...
Im currently trying to email all the ABA Clubs to get their Banking details for Fee refunds. Unfortunately, there are quite a few Clubs who never supplied email addresses on their Competition forms. If you your Club hasn't receive this email from me requesting your Club Bank details, please send an email to ayrshiresecretary@btinternet.com and ill reply with the relevant required details.
Paying relevant refunds by BACS is a lot easier and more cost effective than using cheques and saves on postage costs.
Erik Smart
Im currently trying to email all the ABA Clubs to get their Banking details for Fee refunds. Unfortunately, there are quite a few Clubs who never supplied email addresses on their Competition forms. If you your Club hasn't receive this email from me requesting your Club Bank details, please send an email to ayrshiresecretary@btinternet.com and ill reply with the relevant required details.
Paying relevant refunds by BACS is a lot easier and more cost effective than using cheques and saves on postage costs.
Erik Smart
Daniel Baker, one of the BS National Development Officers, has produced an Online Video Meeting Guide for Zoom. This will be posted on the BS social media pages & website.
This is a useful guide for clubs looking to stay connected and continue to have committee meetings or even just connect with each other throughout this challenging time.
The video can be seen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGgJHqqhfbI
This is a useful guide for clubs looking to stay connected and continue to have committee meetings or even just connect with each other throughout this challenging time.
The video can be seen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGgJHqqhfbI
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Click Please find attached the Bowls Scotland Club Support Package and Hints and Tips Guide for clubs looking to reduce expenditure throughout COVID-19.
This will be published on our social media pages. The documents are also available to view on the website here - https://www.bowlsscotland.com/clubs/club-support-covid-19 |
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Gillian Boyce from Bowls Scotland emailed me to report that one of their Clubs had been broken into, and asked me to pass on to all Clubs to check their insurance policies and make sure they are properly covered during this vulnerable time when Clubs are not being used.
29th March - The Directors have decided to have a meeting as soon as possible once the containment of the Coronavirus allows, to discuss our decision on the return of Capitation fees to Clubs stated in the statement below. Sadly, we are unable to have any type of meeting on this subject anytime soon, but will update the Clubs on our decision as soon as possible.
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Good afternoon,
Please find attached COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Bowls Scotland Club Helpline document. The attached information can also be found in the ‘news’ section on the Bowls Scotland website or by clicking on the link below: https://www.bowlsscotland.com/news/faqs-and-bowls-scotland-club-helpline Kind regards, Gillian Gillian Boyce Bowls Scotland National Centre for Bowling Northfield, Hunters Avenue, Ayr KA8 9AL Tel: 01292 294623 Email: GillianBoyce@bowlsscotland.com |
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ABA Directors will be having an emergency meeting in the next few days on the Coronavirus matter, but below is a Statement from Bowls Scotland from earlier this evening...
BOWLS SCOTLAND PLANS FOR 2020 SEASON DUE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Following on from the latest Scottish Government advice the Board Bowls Scotland has taken the decision to cancel all Bowls Scotland events for the 2020 season.
As the National Governing Body for lawn bowls in Scotland we have a duty of care to all our members and clubs to put people’s health first. Bowls is an inclusive sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities. We have been closely monitoring the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 and have taken on board advice from the Scottish Government. Following significant deliberation, the Board has taken this decision in the interest of protecting our members, particularly those in the most vulnerable groups.
At an emergency meeting of Bowls Scotland Board on Wednesday 18th March 2020 it was decided to cancel the following events:
• Bowls Scotland National Championships (Stage One & Stage Two)
• Ladies National Top 10
• Linda Brennan Ladies U25 Pairs
• Andrew Hamilton Trophy
Moving forward we will not be accepting any applications from clubs for our Try Bowls programme pending further government guidance. We will also not be running any Introduction, Level 1 or Level 2 Bowls Coaching Courses until further notice.
We fully understand that many clubs may suffer financial or operational difficulties due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we have therefore put in place a series of support packages as set out below.
Club Support:-
• Capitation fees, National Competition entry fees and Tournament Licences fees for the 2020 season will be returned to all clubs and Associations that have already paid.
• On Thursday 19th March, we will be releasing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) document on our website for all our clubs and members.
• We will also be setting up a Bowls Scotland Helpline that will be available for any officials of member clubs to phone and receive assistance with any queries or concerns.
• Development Team will continue to host Online Webinars for anyone looking for additional Safeguarding and club support.
• Bowls Scotland is also looking at setting up a new Club Support Fund to assist clubs through this difficult period. More information to follow shortly.
The Board are currently considering options for competitive bowls later in the 2020 season if the current circumstances change in sufficient time.
Bowls Scotland recommend that our member clubs consider the health and welfare of every player, coach and volunteer and carefully follow Government advice relating to the delivery of any activities during this period of uncertainty. We hope that everyone will follow this strong recommendation. Bowls Scotland will notify all clubs when there are any changes to the Scottish Government’s advice.
We are also encouraging all Scottish bowlers to, where possible, continue to pay their membership fees for the upcoming season to help your club manage through this unprecedented situation. We will also continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to identify any new funding and financial support/relief which will hopefully be made accessible to all sports clubs in Scotland.
Finally, please follow all the relevant advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. We would encourage you all to look after your own health and the health of your members. Bowls Scotland recognises that these are uncertain and unprecedented times for the bowling community and will remain in contact with clubs at this difficult time.
Bowls Scotland Chair, Sue Beatt, said: “Bowls Scotland, our clubs, members and the whole sport are unfortunately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have had to take these difficult decisions to cancel all our key events for the year. The welfare of all our members is a top priority to us as an organisation and we have carefully considered all options to do what’s best for the bowling community in Scotland.
“The Board would like to thank our CEO and all the staff for their hard work over the last couple of weeks. They have worked tirelessly, long hours and have reacted to an ever-changing situation. The Bowls Scotland Board and key staff will continue to hold weekly meetings to review and co-ordinate the organisations response to this ongoing and fluid situation.”
The National Centre for Bowling at Northfield in Ayr has now closed; however the Bowls Scotland Office remains open with all staff available by working remotely to support your club. If you have any urgent requests please send them via email to info@bowlsscotland.com or phone the office in the usual manner on 01292 294623.
The following links contain crucial information for clubs and members:
• Scottish Government - https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
• NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• UK Government - https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
We also take this opportunity to notify our members that the following external competitions have been cancelled by the relevant organising bodies:
• 2020 World Bowls Championships
• 2020 IBD World Championships (Para-Bowls)
• 2020 World Bowls Indoor Championships
• All BIBC & BIWBC Championships & International Series - except BIBC Junior Internationals in September (BIBC/BIWBC Statement available below)
• 2020 Para Bowls Home Nations here to edit.
BOWLS SCOTLAND PLANS FOR 2020 SEASON DUE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Following on from the latest Scottish Government advice the Board Bowls Scotland has taken the decision to cancel all Bowls Scotland events for the 2020 season.
As the National Governing Body for lawn bowls in Scotland we have a duty of care to all our members and clubs to put people’s health first. Bowls is an inclusive sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities. We have been closely monitoring the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 and have taken on board advice from the Scottish Government. Following significant deliberation, the Board has taken this decision in the interest of protecting our members, particularly those in the most vulnerable groups.
At an emergency meeting of Bowls Scotland Board on Wednesday 18th March 2020 it was decided to cancel the following events:
• Bowls Scotland National Championships (Stage One & Stage Two)
• Ladies National Top 10
• Linda Brennan Ladies U25 Pairs
• Andrew Hamilton Trophy
Moving forward we will not be accepting any applications from clubs for our Try Bowls programme pending further government guidance. We will also not be running any Introduction, Level 1 or Level 2 Bowls Coaching Courses until further notice.
We fully understand that many clubs may suffer financial or operational difficulties due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we have therefore put in place a series of support packages as set out below.
Club Support:-
• Capitation fees, National Competition entry fees and Tournament Licences fees for the 2020 season will be returned to all clubs and Associations that have already paid.
• On Thursday 19th March, we will be releasing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) document on our website for all our clubs and members.
• We will also be setting up a Bowls Scotland Helpline that will be available for any officials of member clubs to phone and receive assistance with any queries or concerns.
• Development Team will continue to host Online Webinars for anyone looking for additional Safeguarding and club support.
• Bowls Scotland is also looking at setting up a new Club Support Fund to assist clubs through this difficult period. More information to follow shortly.
The Board are currently considering options for competitive bowls later in the 2020 season if the current circumstances change in sufficient time.
Bowls Scotland recommend that our member clubs consider the health and welfare of every player, coach and volunteer and carefully follow Government advice relating to the delivery of any activities during this period of uncertainty. We hope that everyone will follow this strong recommendation. Bowls Scotland will notify all clubs when there are any changes to the Scottish Government’s advice.
We are also encouraging all Scottish bowlers to, where possible, continue to pay their membership fees for the upcoming season to help your club manage through this unprecedented situation. We will also continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to identify any new funding and financial support/relief which will hopefully be made accessible to all sports clubs in Scotland.
Finally, please follow all the relevant advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus. We would encourage you all to look after your own health and the health of your members. Bowls Scotland recognises that these are uncertain and unprecedented times for the bowling community and will remain in contact with clubs at this difficult time.
Bowls Scotland Chair, Sue Beatt, said: “Bowls Scotland, our clubs, members and the whole sport are unfortunately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have had to take these difficult decisions to cancel all our key events for the year. The welfare of all our members is a top priority to us as an organisation and we have carefully considered all options to do what’s best for the bowling community in Scotland.
“The Board would like to thank our CEO and all the staff for their hard work over the last couple of weeks. They have worked tirelessly, long hours and have reacted to an ever-changing situation. The Bowls Scotland Board and key staff will continue to hold weekly meetings to review and co-ordinate the organisations response to this ongoing and fluid situation.”
The National Centre for Bowling at Northfield in Ayr has now closed; however the Bowls Scotland Office remains open with all staff available by working remotely to support your club. If you have any urgent requests please send them via email to info@bowlsscotland.com or phone the office in the usual manner on 01292 294623.
The following links contain crucial information for clubs and members:
• Scottish Government - https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
• NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• UK Government - https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
We also take this opportunity to notify our members that the following external competitions have been cancelled by the relevant organising bodies:
• 2020 World Bowls Championships
• 2020 IBD World Championships (Para-Bowls)
• 2020 World Bowls Indoor Championships
• All BIBC & BIWBC Championships & International Series - except BIBC Junior Internationals in September (BIBC/BIWBC Statement available below)
• 2020 Para Bowls Home Nations here to edit.
Good afternoon
Please find below details of guidance regarding the Coronavirus. The communication will be sent out to all of our member clubs this afternoon and will be shared on the Bowls Scotland website and social media channels:
Bowls Scotland - Coronavirus guidance for club activity
Bowls Scotland is closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The welfare of all our players, coaches, workforce and volunteers is of paramount importance. This communication is designed to inform, rather than alarm, and contains relevant links to the most up to date guidance from the Government and NHS Scotland regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bowls Scotland will be continuing to plan competitions and events as normal but will be following Government guidance and assessing risk as appropriate. Bowls Scotland will be issuing specific guidance regarding forthcoming Bowls Scotland events as necessary to those due to attend.
At this time, it is recommended that that the following precautions are taken for group gatherings including tournaments, meetings and workshops:
Kind Regards,
Alan McMillan
Jett Abernethy
Admin Assistant
Bowls Scotland
National Centre for Bowling
Northfield, Hunters Avenue, Ayr KA8 9AL
Tel: 01292 294623
Email: jettabernethy@bowlsscotland.com
Please find below details of guidance regarding the Coronavirus. The communication will be sent out to all of our member clubs this afternoon and will be shared on the Bowls Scotland website and social media channels:
Bowls Scotland - Coronavirus guidance for club activity
Bowls Scotland is closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The welfare of all our players, coaches, workforce and volunteers is of paramount importance. This communication is designed to inform, rather than alarm, and contains relevant links to the most up to date guidance from the Government and NHS Scotland regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bowls Scotland will be continuing to plan competitions and events as normal but will be following Government guidance and assessing risk as appropriate. Bowls Scotland will be issuing specific guidance regarding forthcoming Bowls Scotland events as necessary to those due to attend.
- We would like to take this opportunity to remind all clubs running events, training sessions or trips abroad that they must inform players, coaches, volunteers and spectators of the hygiene precautions to reduce the spread of infection. For the latest infection control advice, please click here
- The Government has issued advice around travel to and from certain areas as novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation develops. Please read the latest advice here. This is updated regularly.
- It is our expectation that all Bowls Scotland members will comply with the latest Government and NHS guidance. This can be found on the NHS Scotland Website. If you feel unwell, please call NHS 24 (111) for advice.
- We would advise clubs to also carry out appropriate risk assessments and comply with all Scottish Government advice when planning future activities. A club risk assessment template can be found attached. If you would like assistance in completing the risk assessment template please contact the Development team via email info@bowlsscotland.com
- Bowls Scotland staff continue to be available to support clubs, however we would ask that both staff and clubs consider all options for club meetings including over the phone and virtual meetings in place of face to face meetings.
- Bowls Scotland will offer Club Development Webinars throughout March and April, these will be delivered by the Development Team via Go To Meetings.
- It is our advice that any Try Bowls events due to take place in April are postponed.
- When planning for Club Open Days, club competitions, social events etc we advise clubs to carry out a risk assessment and make appropriate decisions based on the outcome of the assessment.
At this time, it is recommended that that the following precautions are taken for group gatherings including tournaments, meetings and workshops:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
- Make soap and/or hand sanitiser and disposable tissues easily accessible at gatherings.
- Avoid contact with sick people, including avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
- Practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, wash hands)
- Avoid touching your face and mouth to reduce the chance of passing an infection to yourself.
- Monitor illness and avoid public gatherings if you are showing signs of infections, disease or virus.
- Close physical contact with an opponent that may expose a player to risk, such as picking up teammates or opponents bowls, shaking hands, delivering the jack, picking up mats, measuring etc. Implement an elbow bump protocol to replace handshake and hugging greetings. Also ensure equipment is cleaned after use, if there is multiple use.
- If you become unwell prior to travel, it is recommended that you organise a review with your GP prior to travel, to ensure it is medically safe to travel.
- If you become unwell and are due to play, it is recommended that you do not attend training or competition, and organise a review with your GP to ensure it is safe to train and minimise infectious spread
- There is no need to alter your exercise or training if you are feeling well.
- There is no need to wear a mask in public if you are well.
- Size and proximity of crowds attending the event. Any mass gathering represents an increased opportunity for infection spread. The Scottish government has issued a statement that their recommendation is for “mass gatherings” of 500 people or more be cancelled.
Kind Regards,
Alan McMillan
Jett Abernethy
Admin Assistant
Bowls Scotland
National Centre for Bowling
Northfield, Hunters Avenue, Ayr KA8 9AL
Tel: 01292 294623
Email: jettabernethy@bowlsscotland.com
I have completed all the North, South, East & West District Draws and submitted under the Championships Draws page. All draws can be downloaded via a PDF format, although your District Secretary should have dropped a copy of the same into your Club.
THE TEAM
Info for EAST District Clubs ONLY...
The dates for the Main Competition play-downs is Sun May 31st & Sun 14th June.
Seniors games on a Wednesday to be decided.
Any questions? Contact East Dist. Secretary William Alexander on 07480 145803
The dates for the Main Competition play-downs is Sun May 31st & Sun 14th June.
Seniors games on a Wednesday to be decided.
Any questions? Contact East Dist. Secretary William Alexander on 07480 145803
Welcome to The Ayrshire Bowling Association
Re: Glasgow v Ayrshire Competitions
There were some unacceptable cards returned again this year after the 2019 Glasgow v Ayrshire Competition.
Some cards being returned, are either completely illegible, marked up wrongly, not signed, lost or just a complete scribble, and I mean a scribble!
As Association Secretaries Marking up scorecards after such a massive competition from both Glasgow & Ayrshire skips, is difficult enough without having to chase up Clubs/skips for their missing scorecards, or to try and decipher what was actually written.
We understand 31 ends with a few drams along the way can fling up one or two pen strokes going a little wayward. We just ask that you try your best to cross check each other’s scorecards now and then after every few ends to make sure you are both singing from the same hymn sheet! Better to try and catch any errors early.
This year’s scorecards were no exception. One of the winning scorecards took various mobile photos and phone calls between the Glasgow & Ayrshire Secretary over a weekend to ascertain and decipher what we were trying to look at, and what we were being told was actually written on it. This Gentlemen is totally unacceptable, and in the end, the card by the club was lucky to be accepted. Bowls Scotland wouldn’t accept the state of these cards, we are no different.
The both Associations have agreed that the scorecards returned to the Association Secretary for scoring must be:
It is your responsibility as a skip to ensure your scorecard reaches your Association Secretary (Home Team) or your Club match Secretary (Away Team). This is your proof of the score in the case of any disputes.
Any card returned for scoring and found to not be correctly marked as stated above will be omitted from the overall score for that Club.
Please remember that the Glasgow v Ayrshire game is within the height of the Bowling season calendar and these little requests can save us so much time to get the scores completed and publish the winners sooner. How many times we have waited weeks & weeks for one or two cards to be returned to complete the overall scoring.
The prizemoney for winning this Competition is pretty substantial. Lets treat it with respect and marking of the scorecards it deserves.
Thank you.
Ayrshire & Glasgow Association Secretaries (Erik Smart & Jim Ryan)
There were some unacceptable cards returned again this year after the 2019 Glasgow v Ayrshire Competition.
Some cards being returned, are either completely illegible, marked up wrongly, not signed, lost or just a complete scribble, and I mean a scribble!
As Association Secretaries Marking up scorecards after such a massive competition from both Glasgow & Ayrshire skips, is difficult enough without having to chase up Clubs/skips for their missing scorecards, or to try and decipher what was actually written.
We understand 31 ends with a few drams along the way can fling up one or two pen strokes going a little wayward. We just ask that you try your best to cross check each other’s scorecards now and then after every few ends to make sure you are both singing from the same hymn sheet! Better to try and catch any errors early.
This year’s scorecards were no exception. One of the winning scorecards took various mobile photos and phone calls between the Glasgow & Ayrshire Secretary over a weekend to ascertain and decipher what we were trying to look at, and what we were being told was actually written on it. This Gentlemen is totally unacceptable, and in the end, the card by the club was lucky to be accepted. Bowls Scotland wouldn’t accept the state of these cards, we are no different.
The both Associations have agreed that the scorecards returned to the Association Secretary for scoring must be:
- Returned Legible
- Signed by both skips with Clubs names clearly defined at the top.
- Marked up correctly with 31 ends completed.
- Skips from either Association mark their up own cards
- Players must be affiliated players from each Association
It is your responsibility as a skip to ensure your scorecard reaches your Association Secretary (Home Team) or your Club match Secretary (Away Team). This is your proof of the score in the case of any disputes.
Any card returned for scoring and found to not be correctly marked as stated above will be omitted from the overall score for that Club.
Please remember that the Glasgow v Ayrshire game is within the height of the Bowling season calendar and these little requests can save us so much time to get the scores completed and publish the winners sooner. How many times we have waited weeks & weeks for one or two cards to be returned to complete the overall scoring.
The prizemoney for winning this Competition is pretty substantial. Lets treat it with respect and marking of the scorecards it deserves.
Thank you.
Ayrshire & Glasgow Association Secretaries (Erik Smart & Jim Ryan)
ABA Rule Change as stated at the 2019 AGM;
'Seniors may now play in both the Senior AND Regular Ayrshire Championships.'
This rule is highlighted within the correspondence being posted to ALL Clubs along with their Capitation & Competition entry forms for 2020.
'Seniors may now play in both the Senior AND Regular Ayrshire Championships.'
This rule is highlighted within the correspondence being posted to ALL Clubs along with their Capitation & Competition entry forms for 2020.
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Congratulations to President Charles B Johnston & Vice President Colin Milroy who were elected at the Recent AGM.
We wish them both a successful 2020 season.
We wish them both a successful 2020 season.
Please contact the Secretary if you would like to Sponsor or advertise with us.
Massive Thanks to ALL Our Sponsors...
