Monday 26 October West Gippsland Bowls Division Board Meeting Report

Chairman Chris Ward opened the meeting at 9.30am.  Also present were M Holroyd, R Stephens, I Wilson, P Hiriart and  J Goldie

Pennant was the main agenda item.

The Board has agreed  the following commencement dates for Pennant:

Saturday Pennant

14, 21, 28 Nov, 5, 12 19 Dec, 16, 23, 30 Jan, 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb, 6, 13, 20, 27 March

Division 1

Newborough, Traralgon, Morwell Club, Trafalgar, Longwarry, Traralgon RSL, Drouin, Warragul

Division 2

Newborough (2), Traralgon (2), Garfield, Drouin (2), Traralgon RSL (2), Moe, Morwell, Neerim District

Division 3

Traralgon (3), Traralgon (4), Boolarra, Yinnar, Thorpdale, Morwell (2), Moe (2), Warragul (2)

Division 4

Newborough (3), Garfield (2), Drouin (3), Morwell (3), Yallourn North, Trafalgar (2), Yarragon, Warragul (3)

Division 5

Neerim District (2), Morwell Club (2), Morwell (4), Newborough (4), Traralgon (5), Churchill, Traralgon RSL (3), Moe (3)

Division 6

Newborough (5), Longwarry (2), Morwell Club (3), Yinnar/Boolarra combined, Trafalgar (3), Drouin (4)

Division 6 is rather weak with only 6 teams.  Clubs are asked to consider if they have sufficient players to add a team in Division 6.

Midweek Pennant

Division 4 is in need of more teams with only 6 teams.  Clubs are asked to consider if they could enter more teams in this Divisions.  Some Clubs seem to have lost a lot of players over the winter.

Pennant will be played on

10, 17, 24 Nov, 1, 8, 15 Dec, 19. 26 Jan, 2, 9, 16. 23 Feb, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 March

Division 1

Drouin, Traralgon, Warragul, Morwell, Morwell Club, Newborough, Trafalgar, Traralgon RSL

Division 2

Newborough (2), Morwell Club (2), Traralgon (2), Warragul (2), Neerim District, Yinnar, Moe, Morwell (2)

Division 3

Yarragon, Traralgon RSL (2), Drouin (2), Drouin (3), Moe (2), Newborough (3), Traralgon (3), Garfield

Division 4

Drouin (4), Yinnar (2), Yallourn North, Morwell (3), Longwarry, Trafalgar (2)

Annual General Meeting

The West Gippsland Bowls Division Annual Meeting will be held at Morwell BC on Monday 9 November at 10.00am.  This venue was chosen due to the large amount of undercover available.

Annual Elections

Nominations closed on Friday 23 October and the following nominations were received:

Chairman Chris Ward Traralgon, Deputy Chairman  Joan Goldie Newborough, Secretary Michael Holroyd Newborough, Treasurer  Ian Wilson Morwell, Male Committee Member Rob Stephens Traralgon. 

The position of Female Committee Member did not receive any nominations with Pat Hiriart deciding to retire after many years of service to bowls.  Expressions of interest for this position are requested.

EnergyAustralia Classic Singles at Newborough BC was changed to 4 – 7 Jan 2021 due to a clash with the Bowls Victoria Championships to be played at Warrnambool from 10^th January which also made Saturday Pennant not playable on 9^th Jan.

The Treasure reported a balance at the end of  $8694.39 with term deposits of $15,000. 

The Division has set the annual affiliation fee at $3 per player and invoices will be sent to Clubs shortly.

Clubs are encouraged to get people bowling and Championship events completed.

Dates for State Events will be announced shortly as advice is received from Bowls Vic.

Michael Holroyd

Secretary

27/10/20

Monday 5 October West Gippsland Bowls Division Board Meeting Report

Chairman Chris Ward opened the meeting at 9.30am.  Also present were M Holroyd, R Stephens, I Wilson, P Hiriart and J Goldie

Pennant was the main agenda item.

It was agreed that Covid 19 is creating many problems for Clubs and players.  Garfield Club is in lockdown and a number of other players live in lockdown areas.

Clubs are faced with stringent rules regarding social distancing and cleaning requirements.  Food delivery is restricted and there are restrictions on players travelling together in cars.

The Board has agreed that we are aiming for the following commencement dates for Pennant:

Saturday Pennant

14, 21, 28 Nov, 5, 12 19 Dec, 16, 23, 30 Jan, 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb, 6, 13, 0, 27 March

If we were to start on 21 Nov we would play on Sat 9 January.

Midweek Pennant

10, 17, 24 Nov, 1, 8, 15 Dec, 19. 26 Jan, 2, 9, 16. 23 Feb, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 March

If we were to start on 17 Nov we would play on Tues 22 Dec.

Notes for Pennant this season

Pennant is a rock up, play and go home game due to Covid 19 requirements.

Players should bring their own food and drink together with drink bottles.  Self Serve tea and coffee will not be available at Clubs due to the stringent cleaning requirements with providing refreshments.

If a raffle is held it must be held prior to play.  Pre-game assemblies must be held outside.  Rain delays must observe Covid 19 restrictions.

All players must wear a mask.  Car travel is currently restricted fo eligible bubbles which would not include 4 bowlers travelling to bowls in the one car.

Saturday Pennant will be held over 25 live ends with the same number of players as last year and a break of 10 minutes during the afternoon.  If both managers agree play can be straight through.  If multiple games are at a venue breaks should be staggered to reduce demands on toilets etc.  There will be no afternoon tea.

Midweek Pennant will be held over 21 live ends with play straight through.

These changes have been made with consideration of the effects of Covid 19 and the upcoming absorption of West and South Gippsland Divisions into Strzelecki Region although it is anticipated that Pennant will remain area based.

Other Divisions and Regions throughout Victoria are planning to suit their regions.  North Gippsland are starting shortly, East Gippsland is looking to start after Christmas for example.

Annual General Meeting

The West Gippsland Bowls Division Annual Meeting will be held at Morwell BC on Monday 9 November at 10.00am.  This venue was chosen due to the large amount of undercover available.

Annual Elections

Nominations open on Friday 9^th October and close on Friday 23 October.  The following positions will be available Chairman currently Chris Ward, Deputy Chairman currently Joan Goldie, Secretary currently Michael Holroyd, Treasurer currently Ian Wilson, Male Committee currently Rob Stephens and Female Committee currently Pat Hiriart.  The Chairman and Deputy Chairman should be of different gender as should the two Committee members.  Current Board Members have indicated their intention to renominate.

If an election is necessary, it will be a postal ballot with votes received by Monday 2^nd November.

Energy Australia Classic Singles the application from Newborough BC was approved for 11 – 14 Jan 2021.

The Treasure reported a balance at the end of the financial year of $$6900 with term deposits of $15,000. 

The Division has received a $2000 Government Grant, and this is not included in the above figure.  We will not be printing a booklet so we will be looking at having a reduced affiliation fee for this year.  We will also negotiate with Strzelecki Region who have also received a grant and they did not spend the $1 levy for players selected in their representative teams last season.

The Board will be meeting again on Monday 26^th October when we anticipate more information regarding Covid 19 being available.

Clubs are encouraged to get people bowling and Championship events completed.

The following events will not be held this season Opening Day, McGilton and Barry Shields and Kate Tilbury Shields.

Michael Holroyd

Secretary

9/10/20

 Nominations for Elections to the WGBD Board Of Management

West Gippsland Bowls Division Inc.

NOMINATIONS ARE CALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

CHAIRMAN

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY

TREASURER

MALE COMMITTEE MEMBER

FEMALE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Chairman and Deputy Chairman should be of different genders.

Nomination forms should be completed with signatures from delegates from two separate Clubs and submitted by the closing date of 23 October 2020..

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Written applications are called for membership of the following Committees.

DEPUTY UMPIRES COMMITTEE

COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE

Members of the Competitions Committee must be prepared to attend State Championship Events, assist with WGBD events, assist with Pennant Organisation and select a representative team to play South Gippsland.

Applications should be sent to

Michael Holroyd

Secretary WGBD

PO Box 10

Newborough 3825

NOMINATION FORM, CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD

WGBD NominationForm 

WGBD 29th  SEPTEMBER 2020

It has been brought to my attention that some bowlers are not wearing face masks whilst bowling.

I have copied the latest advice from Bowls Vic regarding use of face masks:

UPDATE: Tuesday 22nd September, 2020.

Face coverings: in most cases, must still be worn when playing bowls. The DHHS directive provides for face coverings to be removed during strenuous exercise, therefore Bowls Victoria recommends that a player may remove a face covering when puffing or breathing heavily, however it must be replaced once a player has caught their breath.  If the mask is removed, it should be kept on the person.

This advice from Bowls Vic is quite specific and Bowls in general is not a sport where participants are huffing and puffing continuously.

Clubs are requested to ensure that this direction is being followed.

Michael Holroyd

Secretary

WGBD 29/9/20

WGBD 23rd SEPTEMBER 2020

 Questions are being asked as to when Pennant is starting and why are some Country Regions looking at starting in mid October when West Gippsland is not appearing to be making any progress.

Most Country Regions do not have Clubs within the Melbourne lockdown zone.  We have Garfield situated within this zone.

There may be some players at other Clubs who live in lock down areas.

Travel is a problem with people in Country regions restricted to carrying people from their household or personal “bubble” within their cars.

Bowls Vic has given all regions and divisions until Easter to complete their Pennant and this may change if Melbourne has difficulties finishing prior to Easter.

In recent years we have received numerous comments that Pennant starts and finishes too early.  This is the only time we have had the ability to continue pennant play throughout March.

We are conscious that many Clubs need to do a lot of work in

– getting their players financial.  Nobody should be playing Bowls if they are unfinancial and many older bowlers are concerned for their long term health with their doctors advising them to stay away from other people and Clubs etc.

– ensuring they meet Covid 19 requirements with keeping a record of player attendance, cleaning jacks and mats together with maintaining social distancing requirements during play and whilst players are waiting to play or during any free time they may have.

– Clubhouse use is restricted and needs to be strictly observed with players being seated and observing social distancing.

We are hopeful things improve quickly.

Clubs need to be vigilant, a covid 19 case within a Club could result in the Club needing to close for a period and members and visitors at the Club at that time facing  mass quarantines for 14 days.  Clubs would also be faced with massive bills for a covid safe cleaning operation to occur.  You only need 1 positive case for great difficulties to occur

I reiterate record keeping of Club attendances is essential as is the cleaning and sanitising of equipment such as jacks, mats and umpires equipment.

WGBD Clubs should be holding as many Club competitions as possible early in the season.

Use the next month to get as many Club championship games as possible completed.

We hope to be able to give Clubs at least 4 weeks notice of proposed starting dates for Pennant.  The main worries at present are the Garfield lockdown together with the restrictions on personal travel to pennant.

We hope to have more information available in the week commencing Mon 5th October..

Michael Holroyd.

Secretary

WGBD 23/9/20

WGBD 31 JULY 2020

Life is quite difficult for Bowling Clubs with the present covid 19 situation.

The WGBD will not be attempting to set dates for Pennant etc until there is more certainty in the availability of Clubs for Pennant.

At the present time Clubs in Baw Baw and Latrobe are allowed 32 players on a single green and 20 people in each Clubhouse space providing social distancing rules allow this number inside.

Clubs in Cardinia Shire are in lockdown as are players living in that Shire and in Greater Melbourne.

The WGBD is confident that Pennant will be able to be played both Midweek and Saturdays, however, we need more information from the Government before we are able to make these decisions.   

We are uncertain as to how willing players will be to participate in Bowls once the situation improves.

Michael Holroyd

Secretary WGBD 

As per the Bowls Vic website there are relaxed restrictions on how many people can play bowls at a Club – social distancing rules still apply.

West Gippsland Bowls Division is still waiting on news from Bowls Vic and Strzelecki Region regarding the starting date for pennant and regional events.  Bowls Vic has indicated they may make an announcement in mid-July.  Many of these dates rely on information from the Government.

There is a $1,000 State Government grant available to Clubs who can demonstrate a loss of income over the last few months.  All Clubs should be looking to apply for this funding – details on Bowls Vic website. and James Whitehead has information.

West Gippsland will not be issuing a fixture until further information is available regarding playing conditions.  I would not suggest sending booklets to the printers without this information.

President Chris and I attended a meeting with Bowls Vic recently and were told that West Gippsland Bowls Division would be absorbed by Strzelecki Region for the 2021 – 22 season.  This is non-negotiable according to Bowls Vic.  It is anticipated that pennant would still be conducted within West Gippsland and similarly for South Gippsland.  I will forward more information later.

We will give notice of our AGM in due course.

Michael Holroyd

The following information has been received from Bowls Victoria

regarding the playing of Bowls.  

West Gippslnd Bowls Division has cancelled this weekend’s Men’s Champion of Champion Pairs at Traralgon and the following weeks Champion Fours is also cancelled.

After discussions with South Gippsland Bowls Division the Olney Cup on Tuesday 7 April scheduled for Yinnar has been cancelled and Strzelecki Region AGM has been cancelled until further notice.

Clubs are requested to heed the advice given by Bowls Vic and members are requested to look after themselves in the forthcoming weeks.

Michael Holroyd

0434 146 865

COVID-19: Future Impact on Victorian Bowls

Dear Bowls Victoria Member,
 
Last Friday, Bowls Victoria made the decision to continue all Pennant matches under the provision that spectators were advised not to enter clubs to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Since that announcement, the Victorian State Government has declared a State of Emergency for four weeks in response to this pandemic. 

This is clearly a very fast-moving environment, with changes occurring regularly and rapidly. As late as this morning, 18 March 2020, the Federal Government has implemented a ban on gatherings of 100 persons or more in an indoor environment in addition to the ban of 500 or more outdoors.

Specific to bowls, we have continued to regularly consult with key stakeholders including the Victorian Government, VicSport and Bowls Australia, as well as listening to our members.  This assists us in providing the appropriate information and updates on the COVID-19 situation and the effect on the Bowls community. 
  
We understand that Bowls is a large part of our members lives, however our current priority is to make decisions that find the balance between members needs but primarily ensure the health and well-being of all players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and all of our families.
 
Yesterday, our National Body, Bowls Australia, recommended suspending all Bowls until further notice. Their advice was considered by the Bowls Victoria Board last night at a non-scheduled Board meeting, and today Wednesday March 18, we provide the following updates in relation to our future events and activities among our Bowls community:
 
Events & Competitions
All Club Activities (Including Roll-ups and Social Bowls)
Bowls Victoria and Bowls Australia recommend that all club competitions and events are postponed indefinitely. Please consult your local club if they are permitting Social Bowls and/or Roll-ups, observing at all times the Government’s recommended hygiene practices and social distancing recommendations. All matches including Region and Division matches, as well as Club Events are postponed indefinitely.
 
Region and Division Pennant
Bowls Victoria are aware that some competitions have continued around the State in Region and Division Pennant. Bowls Victoria recommend that ALL Region and Division Pennant competitions be ceased immediately and matches postponed.
 
Weekend Metropolitan Pennant

·  Premier Division – The Preliminary Final and Grand Final for Premier Division will be postponed.  There are two games to go in this Division but given there is no requirement for them to be played immediately, we will postpone these 2 remaining games until further notice.
 

·  Division One – The Grand Final will not be played, however there are two semi-finals to be played which will enable us to identify the promoted/relegated teams for next season. Each match will be played at separate venues on Saturday 21 March and be strictly spectator free in controlled conditions (any spectators who arrive at the venue will be asked to leave). Any player who does not wish to play has their right to withdraw. Selection of sides are permitted as per the Conditions of Play and Bowls Victoria will consider these exceptionally unusual circumstances when approving any selected players outside the permitted number as per the Conditions of Play
 

·  Division 2 – 7 & 6-a-Side – These competitions will cease immediately. We are aware this competition will not have finished the Divisional Stage, but we aim to play these games at a later date.

Midweek Metropolitan Pennant 

·  Given the late notice and clubs having already prepared for hosting tomorrows sectional finals, games will continue, under the following strict guidelines. Please note: Your venue may have changed, to see the updated draw, please click here.
 

·  All Divisions will finish by 6:00pm tomorrow, Thursday 19 March 2020.
 

·  We are aware this competition will not have finished the Divisional Stage, however following Thursday, in the best interests of the competition we will postpone Divisional fixtures and aim to play these games at a later date.
 

·  Venues will be limited this Thursday to one match per venue and will be strictly spectator free (any spectators who arrive at the venue will be asked to leave).
 

·  Finishing at this time will enable us to identify section champions and promotion/relegation for the following season.
 

·  Any player who does not wish to play has their right to withdraw. Selection of sides are permitted as per the Conditions of Play and Bowls Victoria will consider these exceptionally unusual circumstances when approving any selected players outside the permitted number as per the Conditions of Play.

Bowlers Arm State Championships
The Bowlers Arm State Championships scheduled for the City of Frankston Bowls Club (6-9 April) have been cancelled. This is due to the average age of the participants competing, as well as no qualifying event having been commenced to determine the field for this competition. All players’ entry fees will be refunded. For all questions regarding refunds on entries for this event, please contact Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au. All Bowlers Arm Victorian State trials are also postponed until further notice.

Under-18 Championships  
The Under-18 State Championships scheduled for Narre Warren Bowls Club (30th March – April 2) have been postponed indefinitely. The decision regarding this event being postponed rather than cancelled is due to the prior running of sectional matches in the Singles. All players will carry over to the new draw for later in the year. All players that are currently Under-18, that turn 18 between now and the future running of this event will still be eligible to participate due to the delay being beyond their control. If you have any questions regarding the Under-18 Championships, please e-mail bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au
 
Under-18 Development Day
The Under-18 Development Day scheduled for Moonee Valley on Sunday March 22 will also be postponed until further notice.
 
Women’s Country Carnival
The Women’s Country Carnival Committee has cancelled the 2020 competition. The Carnival Committee will bring the event back to Echuca/Moama in 2021. For more information please click here.
 
Disability State Championships
The Disability State Championships scheduled for Golden Square Bowls Club (April 14 – April 17) have been cancelled. This decision was based on no qualifying event having been commenced to determine the field for this competition. All players’ entry fees will be refunded. For all questions regarding refunds on entries, please notify Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au.
 
Over 60s State Championships
The Over 60s State Championships scheduled for Bendigo Bowls Club (April 14 – April 17) have been postponed indefinitely. The decision regarding this event being postponed rather than cancelled is due to the prior running of Singles and Pairs matches at Division and Region Level. All players will carry over to the new draw for later in the year. If you have any questions, please notify Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au
 
State Champions Week
State Champions Week at Bendigo East Bowls Club (April 17- April 24) has been postponed. The decision regarding this event being postponed rather than cancelled is due to the prior running of qualifiers at a Division and Region Level and the need for Bowls Victoria to submit Victorian Qualifiers to Bowls Australia for the Nationals in October. All eligible players will carry over for later in the year. If you have any questions, please notify Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au.

Novice Singles Finals
The Novice Singles Championships scheduled for Bendigo East Bowls Club on Saturday April 18 have been postponed indefinitely. The decision regarding this event being postponed rather than cancelled is due to the prior running of Singles matches at Mulgrave in March 2020. All players will carry over to the final for later in the year. If you have any questions, please notify Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au.
 
Region Sides
As per previous correspondence sent Friday 13 April 2020, the Combined Region Sides event in Shepparton will be cancelled for 2020. All regions have received a $2,800 accommodation subsidy from Bowls Victoria and should keep this for the next Region Sides Event, i.e. the 2021 Competition.
 
Champion of State Pennant
The Champion of State Pennant Competition at Moama BC (May 2-May 5) has been postponed. The decision regarding this event being postponed rather than cancelled is due to the prior running of Pennant at a Division and Region Level. All eligible players will carry over to the new draw for later in the year. If you have any questions, please notify Bowls Victoria directly at bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au.
 
Indoor Qualifying (Victoria Wide)
The Australian Indoor Qualifiers around Victoria on May 16 and 17 have been postponed. We aim to play this at a later date due to Victoria needing to submit qualifiers to Bowls Australia for the Australian Indoor Championships later in 2020.
 
School Sport Victoria Bowls Competitions
As per advice from School Sport Victoria, all School Sport Victoria Competitions have been postponed until further notice. For more information, please click here.
 
Victoria City v Victoria Country Test Series (the improved State Trials)
Both the Open and Over 60s City v Country at Bendigo Bowls Club have been postponed until further notice.
 
Victoria v Tasmania Test Series
Victoria & Tasmania have jointly cancelled the annual test match for 2020 with the hope of renewing our bass strait rivalry at a later date.
 
Victoria v NSW and Victoria v SA Test Series
We will provide a further update to both of these annual test matches in the coming months.
 
BV Awards Night 
The BV Awards Night is postponed until further notice, a future date has not yet been decided. We will continue to provide updates as further decisions are made.  Winners and finalists for all categories have been decided, however, we will not release finalists’ names yet until further decisions have been made for celebrations later in the year.
 

General notes for Events and Competitions:
Any event where players meet the eligibility criteria or have already qualified at the time the event was originally scheduled and subsequently postponed will be carried over to the new date where the match is scheduled to be played. 

Given the fluidity of this situation, we will endeavour to provide appropriate updates when they arise and do our best to ensure sufficient notice is given if and when postponed events are able to be played.

For any questions regarding Events & Competitions, please e-mail Sean O’Kane at seano@bowlsvic.org.au or bowlsvic@bowlsvic.org.au

Committees & General Volunteer Information

Bowls Victoria Regional Representatives (BVRR) Meeting
The upcoming BVRR Meeting scheduled for Friday April 17 is postponed until further notice.

Tribunal/Disciplinary Hearings
Tribunal matters or hearings are to be deferred until further notice, unless there is an urgent matter. For any queries relating to Disciplinary matters – please contact: Sean O’Kane at seano@bowlsvic.org.au.

The Bushfire Relief Raffle
The Bushfire Relief Raffle will be drawn in the office soon after the closing date for tickets has elapsed (Sunday April 5). The draw will take place under the supervision of suitable persons and will be recorded for transparency. Regions should send back raffle tickets and monies as soon as possible for the drawing to take place.

Office Visitors:
Bowls Victoria is taking further action to reduce the potential risk and spread of COVID-19.
 
Although we have no reported or confirmed cases of the virus, effective tomorrow, Thursday 19 March, we are implementing restricted visitors to the BV office. Contact is to be via phone or email until further notice. Should any person need to attend our office, we ask that they phone ahead and ensure good hygiene practices.
 
This includes committee meetings and other meetings which will be moved to an online format.
 
This decision reflects our priority to keep our people, members and community safe and well. By taking this step now, we are minimising the risk of exposure for our people and the potential spread of the virus in our office and the broader community.
 
For more information about COVID-19 and ways to keep yourself and your family/friends protected please visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. 
 
We will continue to work together to ensure we all get through this challenging time as best we can and ask for your patience in this ever-changing environment.

Kind regards,
Bowls Victoria.