COVID-19 Playing Lawn Bowls Guidance 

By Dr. Anna Witt (Central Division)

• Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.  https://www.cdc.gov/.  Persons with acute illness or exposure to illness should self-quarantine for at least 14 days. They should not participate in lawn bowling activities.  If you feel sick, STAY HOME.
• Many cities and communities are closing non-essential businesses and issuing stay at home orders.  If your local government tells you to do so then, please follow those mandates and STAY HOME.
• Getting exercise is important and if your local government and club allows, then here are some guidelines to follow while still practicing social distancing (keeping a distance of 6 feet from others):
  • Do not gather in the clubhouse.
  • Hands should be sanitized before and after play.
  • Leave an empty rink between your game and the game next to you.
  • Keep to individual practice, singles or pairs.  No triples or rinks.
  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other players.
  • No spitting or licking of fingers.
  • Use a clean towel each game. Take home and launder used towels.
  • If playing singles or pairs, limit the responsibilities of players
    • Jacks. Pre-set the jack (preferred) OR only allow one person to pick up/handle the jack for the entire game. Sanitize the jack before and after play.
    • Rakes. Do not use rakes (preferred) OR designate one person to touch and use the rake for the entire game. Sanitize the rake before and after play.
    • Measuring. Do not measure with a tape (preferred) OR if it must be done, limit to one designated person for the entire game without touching the jack or bowls. Sanitize the measure before and after play.
    • Bowls. Players should touch and handle their own bowls for the duration of play. Bowls should be sanitized before and after play.

Asheville member Todd Wagers selfie taken May 16, 2020.