Ontario Lawn Bowls Association
PO Box 1093
Tilbury, ON N0P 2L0
olba@olba.ca www.olba.ca
OLBA Return to Play Policy Phase 3
I. Disclaimer
OLBA are not experts on pandemics and therefore all Federal, Provincial and local
Government and Public Health Authority information, guidelines and directives
supersede this information.
II. Phase 3 Readiness
It is essential that any and all decisions regarding the timing and protocol for a
resumption of bowls activity must adhere to Federal, Provincial and Local Public
Health Authorities. To determine readiness for Phase 3 RTP implementation, the
following steps are recommended:
1. Clubs MUST first contact OLBA about their Phase 3 plan before implementing
Phase 3 of the Return to Play protocols. Failure to do so may result in clubs
unknowingly implementing protocols that are in breach of provincial
government directives.
2. Clubs may implement policies that best suit them as long as they are no less
restrictive than this policy.
a. Clubs that have not reopened under previous phases are strongly
encouraged to restrict their numbers below the maximum permitted in order
to ensure that all participants are familiar with these new procedures and to
refine their own policies with less stress.
3. Identify the stage of physical distancing relaxation approved by local public
health authorities and confirm that the club is able to implement the required
standards. Only once a club has confirmed its readiness to implement Phase 3,
they must proceed with development of an RTP protocol for their club.
4. Clubs located in areas that are moved from stage 3 back to stage 2 by the
provincial government must immediately return to their phase 2 (or phase 1)
policy immediately. Clubs located in areas that are moved back to stage 1 must
immediately return to their phase 1 policy.
5. Clubs that had not adopted a policy under phase 1 or 2 (as appropriate) must
cease activities immediately and draft an appropriate policy.
6. Clubs should appoint a safety officer and/or safety committee that will be
responsible for overseeing and monitoring the RTP protocol.
7. Clubs must continue to require participants to complete a declaration each day.
The declarations should be kept on file for at least seven years following the
end of the season.
8. Clubs must ensure that everybody responsible for implementing the club’s RTP
policy has read and understands the policy.
III. Framework
This RTP policy identifies the following six (6) areas to be considered for any return
to play implementation plans.
1. Pre-Screening
2. Operations Protocols
a. Capacity and Rink Arrangement
b. Clubhouse
c. Common Storage and Equipment Use
d. Phase Appropriate Bowls Activity
3. Bowler Expectations
4. Turf Maintenance
5. General Safety Protocols
6. Tracing Protocols
A. Pre-Screening
1. Clubs must ensure that all participants are aware of signs and symptoms of
COVID-19.
2. Consider encouraging participants to use the Government of Canada tracking
application to monitor and track symptoms before coming out to play when it
becomes available. Use of this application would also help with the
implementation of a tracing protocol.
B. Recommended Protocols for Operations
1. Capacity & Rink Arrangement
1. When arranging rinks, clubs must ensure that at least 3.6 m of space is left
between each rink and the next.
a. Exception - Clubs may arrange rinks adjacent to one another as long as each
rink is no less than 5 m wide.
2. Each rink is limited to a maximum of 6 participants.
3. Regardless of the number of rinks, the combined indoor and outdoor capacity
limit for all clubs is the lesser of the number of participants calculated in this
section or 50.
a. Example 1 - The Narnia Lawn Bowling Club has one green that they have
divided into 5 rinks, each of which is 5 m wide. Their combined indoor/outdoor
capacity is 30 (5 rinks x 6 people per rink).
b. Example 2 - The Oz Lawn Bowling Club has two greens that they have divided
into 5 rinks, each of which is 5 m wide. Although they could physically
accommodate 60 people (10 rinks x 6 people per rink), they are still limited to
50 people on the greens and in the clubhouse.
4. Clubs that exceed these capacity limits risk both civil/criminal penalties as well
as suspension or expulsion from OLBA.
2. Clubhouse
Phase 3 readiness means that clubs need to consider whether they are able to
maintain physical distancing requirements and if they are able to implement the
cleaning and sanitization protocols required by local public health authorities for
common spaces and equipment.
If the following safety measures cannot be implemented, then the club must not
open their clubhouse to members except to allow use of a washroom; to allow brief,
one-time access to retrieve personal belongings left prior to the current public
emergency; and when necessary for the purposes of health and safety.. Note: at all
times, the guidelines and legislations of Provincial and Local Health Authorities
must be respected and will take precedence.
Many clubs may choose to keep their clubhouses closed through Phase 3.
1. Clubs must:
a. Place clearly visible signage by all entrances and storage facilities outlining
the physical distancing guidelines in place, as well as hand-washing
recommendations/protocols.
b. Dedicate resources to clean and sanitize the clubhouse on a daily basis.
Create a cleaning time log to identify when items are cleaned/sanitized
throughout the day. Follow Government of Canada disinfecting guidelines for
cleaning common areas.
c. Disinfect all surfaces and materials before and after each individual use.
d. Provide hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes in common areas.
2. Indoor kitchens must be closed and participants are strongly encouraged to
bring their own food/water.
a. Indoor bars may be open and may continue to sell food that is packaged for
individual use (e.g. small bags of chips or pretzels) in accordance with any
requirements imposed by the club’s liquor licence.
b. Clubs are encouraged to limit bar service to cans or bottles.
3. Tables/chairs (if use is permitted by local public health authorities) must be set
up to adhere to physical distancing requirements and any requirements
imposed by the Rules for Areas in Stage 3 ( O Reg 364/20 ) and any other
applicable laws, by-laws, etc.
4. Washrooms should only be used if approved by local authorities. If your club
washroom is able to open, consider limiting usage to one person at a time. A
safety officer, or other designated person, must clean and disinfect the
washroom and tables and chairs on a regular basis – at least after every playing
session. Any person tasked with cleaning must be issued appropriate PPE.
Check with your local public health authority for minimum requirements.
Establish an easy to read recognition tool so others are aware of when a
washroom is “in use” and do not enter.
5. If the clubhouse is opened, everyone inside must still maintain physical
distancing.
6. Work with local health authorities on how to manage waste. While it is
encouraged for bowlers to take their own waste home with them, this may not
be a plausible solution for items such as used disinfectant wipes.
3. Protocol for Common Storage and Equipment Use
Ideally, bowlers will bring and use their personal bowls. In cases where participants
do not have access to their own bowls, consider the following recommendations for
Phase 3 of RTP. At all times, the guidelines and legislations of Provincial and Local
Health Authorities must be respected and will take precedence over these
recommendations.
Clubs are encouraged to consider assigning a specific set of bowls to a specific
person for their use during this Phase of RTP
If it is not possible to assign a set of club bowls to a person, clubs must:
1. Appoint a safety volunteer who will ensure that used bowls are appropriately
cleaned and are ready for use;
2. Post signage outlining the Protocol for Club Bowls Storage and Equipment Use
3. Designate a “sanitized” area and “un-sanitized area” for bowls and jacks;
4. Only one person at a time may enter the bowls storage area to remove a set of
sanitized bowls and two sanitized jacks for play;
5. Bowls and jacks to be used only once before being sanitized by the appointed
safety personnel
6. Have safety personnel wear appropriate PPE when sanitizing bowls
4. Protocol for Phase 3 Bowls Activity – Intra Club Games
1. Phase 3 games may include scheduled club activities such as jitneys, leagues
and tournaments which are restricted to club members only. No visitors or
guests are permitted.
a. Exception - Minors and players who require an assistant to accomodate a
disability may be accompanied by one person. This person must count
against the overall limit on attendees. They must sign a current waiver and
comply with all other requirements imposed on participants.
a. Arrangements for Games
2. A games convenor should be appointed for each event. As sign-up sheets in the
clubhouse are not recommended, consider using an online tool such as
SignUpGenius or Google Calendar, email, or telephone to accept entries.
3. Club members must register to play prior to an announced entry deadline.
4. Entrants must be asked to provide their name, contact information, position (if
applicable) and names of other team members (if applicable).
5. Entrants must be asked to confirm the following:
a. That they will complete the pre-screening tools prior to arriving at the club
and will adhere to club protocols and physical distancing measures during
the event.
b. That they are not practicing or competing at any other clubs during Phase 3;
members of multiple clubs should choose one club to participate at.
6. Consider scheduling alternate playing times (e.g. a.m. and p.m. time slots) in
order to provide opportunities for more bowlers to participate.
7. Bowlers should arrive no more than 20 minutes prior to their scheduled start
time to register and receive further instructions.
8. Keep a record of each person who arrives at the club and identify their arrival
and departure times. This record should be virtual/digital if possible, to avoid
multiple people using the same book/log. The online scheduling tool can help
with this process.
9. Games must be restricted to Singles, Pairs or Triples during Phase 3.
a. Skips should not visit the head so that there are never more than 4 people at
each end.
10. It is recommended to set the mat and/or the jack at the 3-metre mark instead
of the 2- metre mark to allow for adequate space behind the head to maintain
physical distancing.
b. Playing of Games
1. Although Phase 3 is bringing us closer to a return to “normal”, there are still
significant restrictions that require all players to heed the introduction to the
Laws :
The Laws of the Sport of Bowls (‘the laws ’) have been
drawn up in the spirit of true sportsmanship. So, if a
situation arises that is not covered by these laws, players,
markers and umpires must use their common sense and a
spirit of fair play to decide on the appropriate course of
action.
2. Bowlers should use their own set of bowls. Club bowls may be used according
to established protocols (see Protocol for Common Storage and Equipment
Use ).
3. Two-metre sticks should not be used. In the alternative:
a. The two metre spot at each end of the rink should be marked with a ‘T’ with
chalk or a small piece of suitable material inserted immediately below the
surface of the green; or
b. The participants should agree on the location of the two metre spot by using
the centre marker for the rink and two metre indicators along the sides as
prescribed by the Laws
4. Clubs should create a protocol for how to deal with mats and jacks during game
play such that equipment is not shared without being cleaned/sanitized first. It
is recommended that clubs consult their local health authority on this. See the
Appendix for suggestions.
5. If coaches are available, they should maintain physical distancing practices, and
should not share equipment with participants (including bowls, jacks, and mats).
Coaches must adhere to all RTP protocols.
6. Other club equipment such as scoreboards, pushers/rakes, etc. should not be
used. If players bring their own personal equipment (e.g. bowls lifters, cloths,
gripping agent) these must not be shared with any other bowlers.
a. If clubs have assistive devices (i.e. Ubi-launchers or bowling arms), these
should be used by one person per game, and cleaned/sanitized by a Safety
Volunteer before and after each game.
7. Each skip (or player in Singles) should keep a scorecard. At the end of the game,
both skips (or players in Singles) should verbally agree upon the details of the
scorecard rather than signing it. The results should be verbally communicated
to the drawmaster rather than handing in scorecards (if applicable).
a. Players should be permitted to use apps on mobile devices to keep score
provided that their device is set to silent and is not used for any other
purpose besides measuring (see below ). Players should take a screenshot of
the final score before resetting for their next game in case the information is
needed later.
8. At the start of each end, each team’s bowls should be placed on opposite sides
of the rink, behind the mat.
9. Players at the mat end, when not in possession of the rink, should stand at least
two metres behind the mat and on the side where their bowls are, maintaining a
safe physical distance from other bowlers.
10. Players standing in the head, when they are not in possession of the rink,
should stand at least two metres behind the player who is directing the head,
while maintaining a safe physical distance from other bowlers.
11. Players should only pick up their own bowls. Do not pick up or use your hands
to touch someone else’s bowls or equipment.
12. When changing ends, players should walk up the right-hand side of the green,
near the boundary line, while keeping a safe distance apart.
13. Players should not chase bowls.
14. Measuring
a. Players are encouraged to use items such as shot spotters or apps on their
mobile devices in order to keep physical measuring to a minimum.
b. Prior to the game, skips (or the players in singles) should agree who will do
the measuring if a physical measure is necessary. This way measures will not
be shared. Physical distancing should still be maintained while measuring
takes place.
i. For longer measures which require two people, it is recommended that
the primary measurer hold the measure at the jack, and the secondary
person hold the pointer-end. This ensures the main part of the measure
is not touched by the secondary person. In all instances where a measure
involves two people, both measurers should immediately sanitize their
hands and the measure itself after completing the measure
c. Facilities Arrangements
1. Designate separate entrance and exit points to the grounds. If this is not
possible, consider extending the time between playing time slots.
2. Designate a “waiting area” in case bowlers arrive early and ensure it is marked
appropriately with physical distancing cues. This waiting area must be away
from the playing areas so that any participants in earlier time slots do not cross
paths unnecessarily.
3. If your benches are opened, clubs should add the benches’ cleaning to the club’s
cleaning protocol. Ensure participants still adhere to physical distancing if using
benches.
4. Ensure appropriate signage is posted throughout the playing area to advise
participants of the safety protocols in place.
5. If sun shade is required, implement appropriate safety precautions for cleaning
and sanitising where appropriate
IV. Bowler Expectations
The following recommendations are for consideration in Phase 3 of RTP. At all
times, the guidelines and legislations of Provincial and Local Health Authorities
must be respected and will take precedence over these recommendations.
Clubs should implement policies that state that participants must:
1. Pre-register to play; do not just show up and expect to play.
2. Arrive no more than 20 minutes before their scheduled start time, and leave
promptly when they have finished playing.
3. Practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two metres away from
other participants at all times.
4. Use their own bowls. If they do not own bowls,they must follow the posted
safety protocols for using club bowls.
5. Only leads (and skips) may touch the jack and the mat (See Appendix ).
6. Not share equipment.
7. Not shake hands or high five.
8. Not bring visitors to the club.
9. Not access closed spaces or equipment.
10. Bring their own chair instead of using benches.
11. Not enter the washroom if there is already someone else inside or if the
washroom has been closed.
12. Bring their own water.
13. Take home their own waste material, if possible.
14. If feeling unwell, regardless of the symptoms, stay home.
V. Turf Maintenance
1. For Phase 3, continue following safety standards for minimum requirements on
the Bowls Canada website. At this stage, clubs may wish to consider increasing
green maintenance as it continues to align with local municipal and public
health physical distancing and safety standards.
2. Post COVID-19 symptom signage regarding physical distancing requirements.
3. Post protocols for operations and safety.
VI. General Safety Protocols
Clubs should:
1. Educate volunteers and participants to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19. A
list of symptoms is available from the Government of Canada or on the OLBA
website.
2. Establish a communication plan to keep volunteers and participants informed
and updated on issues affecting the club
3. Establish a policy that requires volunteers, staff, and participants to inform the
club when they’ve been exposed to any highly communicable illness. Direct
them to the local health agency for testing. Implement a screening program to
ensure all staff/volunteers/participants are healthy and have not travelled
outside of Canada. Consider using the Government of Canada tracking
application for this purpose when it becomes available.
4. Conduct meetings by phone or online where possible. If in-person meetings are
required, maintain physical distancing.
5. Ensure appropriate signage is well placed throughout the club facility. For
example:
a. COVID-19 symptom signage at entrance points,
b. Handwashing techniques and waste removal in the washrooms,
c. Rules and safety protocols in all common areas including clubhouse, green,
storage area, parking area, waiting areas, etc.
6. Educate volunteers and participants on proper handwashing and hygiene
techniques.
a. Provide necessary Canadian Government approved sanitation supplies such
as wipes and hand sanitizers.
b. Ensure hand washing signage is present at all hand washing stations.
c. It is recommended that bowlers wash their hands frequently rather than
wear gloves
d. Provide hand sanitizer stations for volunteers, staff, and participants in
multiple locations.
7. In areas where masks are required for indoor use, the same requirement must
apply to indoor areas of bowls facilities. In areas where masks are not
mandatory, it is recommended that bowlers and volunteers wear masks while
indoors. Refer to your local and provincial guidelines recommended use of
masks for both indoor and outdoor activities.
It will be up to clubs and their local authorities as to how to deal with individuals
who do not follow safety precautions or other guidelines that the club had adopted.
VII. Tracing Protocol
1. Follow the tracing protocols established by your local health authorities.
2. Ensure you have a process to notify your members and those directly impacted
should a participant test positive.
3. Consider the consequences and ability to implement tracing protocols before
allowing participants to return to play at your facility.
4. Consider using the Government of Canada tracing app when it becomes
available.
VIII. Appendix – Modified Rules for Phase 3
1. As the controlling body for club games, the club may determine the conditions
of play for an event. For competitions which are purely social or recreational
(i.e. not leading to the winners being awarded a club title), the conditions of
play may include aspects of play that are different from the Laws of the Sport.
2. Trial ends are at the discretion of the controlling body, and should be included
within the established time limit (if applicable).
3. Only spray chalk should be used to mark touchers. If spray chalk is not
available, touchers should be nominated, with skips (or players in singles)
agreeing prior to the delivery of the next bowl.
4. Live jacks and bowls in the ditch should not be indicated with any shared
equipment. A player may use their personal bowls cloth, placed on the bank, to
indicate the position of the jack or bowl. Players may instead mark live bowls or
jacks in the ditch with spray chalk on the bank if permitted by the club. Players
should not mark the position of live items in the ditch by drawing circles in the
sand.
IX. Suggestions for modifications
Below are various different options that the controlling body (i.e. the club) could
implement for social or recreational competitions:
1. The mat is to always be placed at the 2-metre mark (in this way only one lead
would need to place the mat, regardless of who’s team won the last end).
2. The jack is to be pre-set by the skip; use 2 jacks, one at each end (in this way the
leads would never touch the jack and reduce the use of shared equipment).
3. Skips can centre the jack with their foot or lifter so they do not touch the jack
with their hands. Consider designating one skip to set/centre the jack for the
entire game, regardless of who won the end (in this way, only one skip would
ever touch the jack).
4. Each lead is assigned their own mat and jack (in this way, equipment is not
shared between leads).
5. Setting the mat and/or jack at the 3-metre mark instead of the 2-metre mark
(in this way, people can stand behind the mat and/or jack and still observe
physical distancing).
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