Thank you to all clubs who have sent feedback in regarding bowling this season and what you believe is possible for your club. This is extremely useful in deciding what we should do this year when providing a bowling programme in these uncertain times. We would all like to see bowls go back to ‘normal’ this year just like the rest of society however we still have restrictions imposed on us until June 21^st at the earliest and unfortunately this influences what we can do this season. There are also clubs who still have difficulty accessing their greens with facilities on site not being available until May 17^th along with concerns regarding memberships for 2021 with players choosing to isolate until both vaccines have been received.

The most important part for us was to provide an organised programme of bowls this year, analysing every scenario to see which would provide the best opportunity for every club to take part following your feedback. I have summarised what we intend to do for the 2021 season below:

• 8 players per team
• Clubs can enter 2 teams (A&B)
• 8 teams per division
• Start Date will be the earliest possible of either 22 May, 29 May or 5 June
• 1 player can double up in A teams
• 2 players can double up in B teams
• No fines etc for teams short of players but please do offer all opponents the maximum opportunity to play
• Divisions will be constructed based on positions at end of 2019 season
• League points system (point per player etc) will be the scoring system used
• 2021 season will have NO impact with regards promotion & relegation and will be a ‘one off!’
• 2022 season will start as ‘normal’ and divisional position will be reset based on finishing positions of 2019
• Reduction of fees for 2021 to £20 per team entered & £3 per registered player includes Personal Accident Insurance
  
  
•  We are hopeful of running some if not all the local merit competitions this year – further information to follow as soon as possible following response to this note

At this stage, we cannot confirm the programme dates as this will depend on what the BCGBA have planned for this year. When we receive confirmation from the BCGBA with regards what events they are running and when, together with any additional guidance based on the Government and DCMS we will be able to confirm our calendar for 2021 and send this out. Not expected to be received before 13^th March.

We understand that what we have provided may not suit everyone this year and there is no penalty for clubs that do not want to be involved. When we restart in 2022 those clubs will be included as usual.

The new Birmingham League that was due to start in 2021 will now be put on hold until 2022. Details concerning the league will be communicated to you towards the end of the year.

Based on the above information, we now need to have a firm response with regards your participation this season from EVERY club. Can you indicate whether you will be entering ZERO, ONE or TWO teams by SUNDAY 4^th APRIL. We are aware that most greens will not be open until 29^th March and so this gives clubs the opportunity to get together and discuss what you want to do this season.

If you have any questions regarding the above or anything else to do with the 2021 season, then please contact me at fixture.secretary@wwcba.com

Chris Lambert

Fixture Secretary Warwick & Worcester