latest announcement from esmba:   april 2021

ESMBA Events Update

"We recently published our approach to return to safe bowls in our roadmap. Part of that is the transition back to competitive bowls, The ESMBA along with other National Governing Bodies, where appropriate, response to the holding of competitive events is; World Championships (Belgium March 21) - unfortunately these have had to be postponed for a second time due to COVID 19 restrictions.

All being well these championships are planned to be held in Belgium in March 22.

A further update is planned after the World Bowls Council meeting on 27th March 21. The players originally selected to represent England in 2020 will be given first refusal for the 2022 championships. Inter County Championships - The counties remaining in their respective championships (semi finals) will be asked if they would like to conclude the competition to be held in September 21.

It is hoped to organise an ICC event from October 21, however the format is likely to be different for this year as we ease ourselves back into regular competitive bowling.

National Championships - The finals in April 21 have been postponed with a view to rearrange for September 21.

A questionnaire was issued recently aimed at registered players that qualified for the 2020 National finals to gauge feelings towards playing in the finals and future Championship format. This went to County Secretaries and Competition Organisers to distribute. If you haven’t seen a copy please speak to your County contacts. Your views are important and will help inform the ESMBA’s approach to the Championships.

National Championships for the season 2021/22 are being planned however the format may well be different to take account of the likely changes to our daily lives.

TLH Top team - The event due in may has fallen foul to the COVID-19 regulations and has been postponed. The good news is the teams who have qualified will be offered their place for May 22.

Alternatively people who have paid a deposit can put this towards a break with TLH when circumstances allow. British Isles Championships - The British Isles Council met recently to discuss the forthcoming championships in November 21 releasing a statement confirming that the championships are planned to go ahead, however the timing and format may differ from the norm.

A further update is planned after the Government COVID 19 update on 17th May 21. Top team event - Now planned to take place in January 22 again reliant on planned Government COVID 19 announcements. ESMBA Diary - A draft diary is being prepared to reflect our approach to getting back to competitive bowling. A decision is still to be made whether any open competitions will be organised. In conclusion, it must be made clear this update is based on the latest COVID-19 regulations and will be updated based on any future COVID-19 announcements
esmba committee


ref COVID-19 ROUTEMAP March 2021
In line with the latest Government COVID Policy the ESMBA interpretation is :-
short mat bowls cannot re-commence any earlier than 12TH APRIL 2021.  however, it is strongly recommended that clubs, county associations and leagues with central venues apply for Safe Bowls now 
No earlier than 12th April 2021 where venues e.g. leisure facilities and community centres (not Village Halls) are open and allow indoor sports those Short Mat Bowls Clubs and County Associations that have “Safe Bowls” status can resume but must observe the condition that only one person or people from the same household can play on each mat. 
No earlier than 17th May 2021 where venues e.g. leisure facilities and community centres are open and allow indoor sports those Short Mat Bowls Clubs and County Associations that have “Safe Bowls” status can resume but must observe the condition that up to 6 bowlers from different households or members of 2 households can play on each mat. 
No earlier than 21st June 2021 it is hoped all limits on social contact are removed and short mat bowls can return to normal enabling all bowlers to make informed personal decisions about social contact.
​This will be reviewed when more information is received It must be remembered that this is only a guide and can change dependent on the latest Governments interpretation of the most recent data. Also, to return to bowls Clubs, Leagues and County Associations must hold “Safe Bowls” status. Anyone found not adhering to ESMBA policy could face further action. The ESMBA will continue to update everyone once more details are released for each stage.
Barry Hedges on behalf of ESMBA Management Committee



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PREVIOUS UPDATES:  
esmba update :  1st december 2020
We would remind all ‘Safe Bowls’ clubs that it is for affiliated members only. Clubs that have failed to affiliate will have their status removed with immediate effect and are no longer authorised by the ESMBA to return to bowls under any Tier.
Barry Hedges On behalf of the ESMBA Management Committee
(n.b. for full esmba statement please refer to their own website)
ESMBA Coronavirus statement 4th November 2020
Under the latest Government lockdown rules, amateur sports are not permitted. So, for the period of 5th November 2020 to 2nd December 2020 all ‘Safe Bowls’ certificates are temporarily suspended.
NO Short Mat Bowls clubs may open during this period.
Although it seems a long month, the ESMBA will continue to look at its route map during this time and will be developing new protocols for more competitive bowls once these latest restrictions are lifted. With this in mind we strongly recommend that Clubs continue to submit applications for ‘Safe Bowls’ as the importance of being ready to restart cannot be overstated. We will also continue to lobby the DCMS to look at allowing safe bowls to resume.
​Barry Hedges On behalf of the ESMBA Management Committee
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​update from esmba as at 21st october
‘Safe Bowls’ Update 17th October 2020
The Government have now introduced a tier system for the Country, whilst the ESMBA await further updates from the DCMS and Sport England, the Management Committee have decided to err on the side of caution.
With effect of 17th October 2020 the rules for clubs in the following tiers are as follows:
Tier 1 Postcodes can continue as per the approved protocols.
Tier 2 Postcodes can only allow single households or social bubbles per rink mat, these members MUST NOT mix with any other individuals.
Tier 3 Postcodes Sport and physical activity can be played as per the guidance under Tier 2. These restrictions are put in place not just to protect the bowls family but the wider communities that we play and live in.
We hope that these restrictions are only temporary and as soon as we have agreed procedures in place to play again, we will update you all.
from hcsmba - please remember:
ONLY CLUBS AFFILIATED WITH THE ESMBA AND HAVING ACHIEVED “SAFE BOWLS” STATUS CAN OPERATE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES. CLUBS NOT COMPLYING WITH AFFILIATION OR “SAFE BOWLS’ STATUS WILL BE CLASSED AS A SOCIAL GATHERING THUS BOWLING ILLEGALLY. THE ESMBA WILL TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST MEMBERS THAT RETURN TO BOWLS WITHOUT “SAFE BOWLS” STATUS. 
also:  congratulations to our clubs (11 in number at present) on achieving safe bowls status. 
Bellinger Bowls Club
Bursledon SMBC
Crown SMBC
Denmead Bowling Club
Fleet United Bowling Club
Hook Bowling Club
North End Bowling Club
Purbrook Heath Bowls Club
Southampton SMBC
St Luke's SMBC
Stubbington SMBC
​and to those that have yet to do so, please remember you still need pay your affiliationS!!
esmba update:  24th september. please note the wording in brown and underlined  .......
Following the Governments recent amendments to the coronavirus rules relating to ‘The rule of 6’, The ESMBA issue the following guidance on its safe bowls certificate.
Clubs with “Safe Bowls” status and operating on ONE MAT will be permitted to continue as their approved documentation. Clubs with “Safe Bowls” status on MULTIPLE MATS will be permitted to continue but with additional conditions.
​The prime consideration is that each mat is classed as an individual group, each group MUST NOT have ANY interaction of any kind with any other and must always strictly maintain 2m social distance. As you can imagine this will have to be strictly managed and additional restrictions will have to be adhered to, detailed guidelines will be issued to Safe Clubs via the safeguarding officers.

ONLY CLUBS affiliated with the ESMBA and having achieved “Safe Bowls” status can operate within the Government guidelines. Clubs not complying with affiliation or “Safe Bowls’ status will be classed as a social gathering thus bowling illegally. The ESMBA will take disciplinary action against members that return to bowls without “Safe Bowls” status.

Furthermore, as per the ESMBA Route Map, the ESMBA will allow clubs with ‘Safe Bowls’ status to move to triples per mat group if space permits. Additional guidance on the specifics of this and the authorisation process will be issued by the county safeguarding officers. It is important that clubs proceed to triples only after completing at least 2 session of pairs.

We again remind the members that the ESMBA Emergency Fund is available for members to apply for. The first round of applications closes on the 30th September 2020. The Government recognises the importance of members being affiliated to National Governing Bodies, and that these bodies are best placed to manage and monitor the protocols of safe return to sport. As such they only recognise those clubs that have achieved the NGB Published guidance and protocols.
It is important to point out that many hours have been put into the ESMBA “Safe Bowls” scheme and that all applications are judged on the same process and protocols. The ESMBA Risk Assessment template must be completed in detail and although reference can be made to the supporting documents, the statement in them must be written on the Risk Assessment
updated information :  September 22nd @ 13.30
The following update has come from the ESMBA direct:
Members/Clubs/Counties not registering.   Firstly I cannot blame anybody for not wanting to register this season, safety should come first. Not renewing a membership from the previous season incurs no "penalty" however the member/club/county will not be eligible to enter into any ESMBA run competition until membership is received. Also it should be noted that they will not be covered by the ESMBA personal accident insurance.   
additionally note this comment  as well:
ROGER GREEN FROM YORKSHIRE (THE PREVIOUS ESMBA AFFILIATION SECRETARY) ADDED:
I WOULD ALSO POINT OUT THAT THOSE WHO MAKE USE OF THE ESMBA INSURANCE SCHEME TO COVER THEIR 3RD PARTY LIABILITY, EQUIPMENT AND CASH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RENEW THIS WHEN THE POLICY EXPIRES IN FEBRUARY.  IN RESPONSE TO MY ENQUIRY, SUTTON WINSON REPLIED
“…….THIS SCHEME IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO AFFILIATED MEMBERS OF THE ESMBA. IF THE RENEWAL APPLICATION FORM IS RETURNED STATING THAT A CLUB IS NO LONGER AFFILIATED, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RENEW THE POLICY.”

ICC Semi Finals and National Finals. As of writing the email my understanding is that anybody who has qualified for these competitions will still be able to take their place should they choose whenever the finals can be held whether they have re-registered or not. Persons playing in these finals (whenever that might be) not registering will not be covered by the insurance.

Roger Green from Yorkshire (and the previous ESMBA affiliation secretary) added:
I would also point out that those who make use of the ESMBA Insurance scheme to cover their 3rd party liability, equipment and cash will not be able to renew this when the policy expires in February.  In response to my enquiry, Sutton Winson replied
“…….this scheme is only available to affiliated members of the ESMBA. If the renewal application form is returned stating that a club is no longer affiliated, we will not be able to renew the policy.”
Previous updates & Information: 
ESMBA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND.  information issued via the esmba website as of 16.30 hrs 17/08/2020
 As part of getting back to short mat bowls in the new “normal” world the ESMBA Management Committee recognises that Players, Clubs, Leagues and County Associations could well face extra  expense in meeting the conditions laid down by Government Covid policy.
 The ESMBA Management Committee has agreed to setup a fund that will contribute to the extra expense that could be incurred in playing short mat bowls in the Covid world. The aim of the fund is to sustain and grow the number of registered players.  It is planned to release funding in phases based on the number of applications received. The fund will go live on 1st September 2020 and the first phase will close on 30th September 2020. Details of further  phases will be released in due course.
​Who We Will Fund
a) Local clubs who have at least 6 ESMBA registered players (fits in with Insurance scheme taken  from the last renewal date)
 b) Leagues who are registered/recognised by their ESMBA member County Association
c) ESMBA member County Associations.
What We Will Fund
 a) Expenses essential to the maintain the operational viability of the organisation in playing short
mat bowls such as the hire cost of extra sessions to enable all members to participate, hygiene
essentials, and bowls lifters
 b) Activities to kick-start short mat bowls in your local area for example advertising costs and if  practical open sessions
 c) A contribution to your local club, league or County Association membership fee. To be eligible  you must be able to demonstrate that your ESMBA registered player numbers are at least maintained at the 2019/20 level. This would be measured after the deadline for registrations i.e. end of November. This is likely to be in the second phase of funding based on the measurement   point
 d) Other ideas and expenses that are as a result of the Covid pandemic e.g. completion of a risk  assessment.
 Application Process
 The proposal will be in letter form and at the very least must include
 a) Objectives – what do you plan to achieve
b) Purpose – How are you going to do it
c) Amount requested – Contribution of up to 50% of the costs and not exceeding £500
d) Must be signed off by the Organisation’s Chairman
The proposal must be supported by
a) Cashflow statement that demonstrates and extra increase in expense and show that expense b) Latest Accounts – 2019/20
c) Latest Bank statement current at the time of application
 NB:  Not all applications will be successful, and the ESMBA Management Committee decision is final. 
Enquiries and applications to be sent to Simon Willies (simon@esmba.co.uk, 27 Oxborough Kings Lynn,  Norfolk PE33 9PS,  01366 328824). Please remember we are all volunteers therefore we may not be able  to take your call or get back to you straight away
also on the esmba website there is now a venue covid checklist.  you will need to look at their website under the coronavirus tab as there are several checklists to download.  These are the links as I have them, but you may need to go to the esmba website direct to access them:
http://www.esmba.co.uk/coronavirus/track-and-trace-template
http://www.esmba.co.uk/coronavirus/venue-checklist
http://www.esmba.co.uk/coronavirus/risk-assessment-template
http://www.esmba.co.uk/coronavirus/compliance-guidelines
NEWs:    ESMBA Friday 14th August 2020     Covid-19 Update
The ESMBA haS received its feedback from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.
We can announce that we had no adverse comments and nothing but positives regarding our documentation to getting members back to bowling.
The Management Committee will be working closely this weekend with the County Safeguarding Officers in preparation to release documentation and procedures for clubs to return to bowling.
The ESMBA will publish its full guidance notes and procedures on Monday 17th August 2020.
the esmba will also be issuing details of the ‘Covid Fund’ on Monday 17th August 2020. This will include what we will consider and how to apply.
​ESMBA Covid-19 Route map V1 (July 2020)
Please note: This is the Management Committees proposal and is awaiting Government comments The following is the planned phasing of the Sport of Short Mat Bowls within England.
The dates below are only provisional and will be continually reviewed. The ESMBA will work strictly within Government Guidelines.
It is worth remembering that over 80% of our membership is over 65, of which many if not all have been shielding for 12 weeks or more.
It is our National duty not just to protect our membership but also the local communities they come from. The ESMBA is committed to resuming the sport but only when it is deemed to be safe to do so. Members will have the right to decide if they wish to resume or not and should not feel pressured by any other club members to participate if they do not feel safe to do so. Members that do feel pressured should raise their concerns with the County Safeguarding officer who will investigate and take necessary action. Please remember the following dates will be fluid and are a guideline only.
1. All International matches will be cancelled until March 2021 (re arranged World Championships)
2. The diary will be clear of England days and games (to enable Counties to use these later in the year when safe to do so).
3. The ESMBA National Championships 2019/20 will be postponed until April 2021. There will be no qualifiers for the Main Nationals this season.
4. September 2020 - Clubs will be able to open for social roll ups, maximum four per mat providing they have meet the criteria laid down by the ESMBA, and approved to do so.
5. October 2020 - Clubs will be able to increase their participation from four to six per mat, if they can comply with the then social distance guidance.
6. November 2020 - Inter club activities will be permitted. (guidelines will be issued nearer the time).
7. December 2020 - County Open competitions will be permitted (guidelines will be issued nearer the time).
8. January 2021 - The ESMBA will look to run knock out and open Competition based at Club level.
9. January/February 2021 - Counties will be able to run National O55's and Mixed Fours qualifiers.
10. The ESMBA membership will remain due for the Association. There will be a reduced playing diary at National level but the Administration of the Association will remain the same. Both the ESMBA and County Associations will be there for the support of their members. The Personal Accident insurance will still cover personal Accidents whilst playing and in official capacity of Short Mat Bowls.
11. The ESMBA is to allocate a large proportion of the coming seasons membership fee to a Covid-19 fund and invite applicants to apply for funding to ensure their clubs are compliant and remain active. (Details to follow). At all times the ESMBA will work within the Governments guidelines, be it at national or local level.
ESMBA Statement 20th July 2020 
Following a meeting of the Management Committee this weekend, a ‘Route Map’ to bowling again and the basis of our guidance notes was agreed. These documents are being updated and prepared for sending to Sport England for approval as per Government guidelines.
It is hoped that these will be sent over in the next week. Until such time as these documents are approved, and the Government give us the consent to start bowling again, the recommendation to clubs and associations is to remain closed for the safety of its members.
The ESMBA does not support clubs resuming at this time.
​Once these documents are approved they will be uploaded to the ESMBA Web site with full instructions of how to progress with getting your club Covid-19 safe and approved for opening again. 
Barry Hedges  ESMBA Chairman
​on behalf of the ESMBA Management Committee
he best way of keeping in touch with sport-return updates is to go to the HSE Website.  However, we also undertake to keep our member clubs – along with any clubs who wish to become member clubs ! – updated via this website or by specific email mailings  to designated short mat bowls club secretaries as appropriate.  
the HCSMBA committee.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADDRESS ANY QUERIES / OBSERVATIONS / DISCUSSION POINTS TO EITHER THE SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION GLO FOWLER (FOWLERGLORIA@AOL.COM; CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION MARTYN DUBB (MARTYNDUBB@NTLWORLD.COM); OR MEMBERSHIP & WEBSITE SECRETARY BARBARA SPARLING (SPARLING1952@MSN.COM).  







 

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National Qualifiers (2019/20) 

Singles 
Jason McLean 
Ben Pay
Callum Goodman 
Alastair McCrea

Pairs 
Matt Smith and Tom Clough 
Ian and Wendy Ford 
Mike Wright and Steve Puttock 
Paul England and Ben Pay

Triples 
C Goodman, P Goodman and J McLean
P England, A McCrea and B Pay 
W Ford, I Ford and M Dubb
R Young, M Smith and T Clough 

Fours 
B Cherry, P Goodman, C Goodman and J McLean
S Buckett, J Bucknall, A McCrea and B Pay 
A Bucknall, J Bucknall, G Fowler and T Wall
W Ford, A Dubb, I Ford and M Dubb

Mixed Fours
Jan. Bunker, Nadine. Bailey, Paul. England, Tom Clough
Alex & Trevor Tymon, Chris & Shane Davison
Sam Sutton Steve Puttock, Venessa & Mike Wright
June & Roger Messenger, Richard Edwards, Pauline McCormack.

Over 55's
Mike Wright & Steve Puttock
Brian Brown & Colin Dickinson
Ian & Wendy Ford
Maud Clarke & Tony Wall.

U18's

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ALLOCATIONS FOR NATIONALS:

Great news everyone, we have FOUR allocated places in EACH of the disciplines except for the Under 18's, where we only have one.  

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