Contingency plans for 2021

We promised we would issue the fixture list by mid-November and it is attached to this email and published on the website. We haven’t lost any teams yet but fully understand most clubs won’t know how many members have been retained probably until after the start of the 2021 season. Obviously, we don’t know what COVID-19 restrictions, if any, will still be in place either. So, the Executive Committee is proposing the following rule changes just to be introduced for the 2021 season. The following measures are designed to ensure we see some competitive bowls across West Somerset next year, even if it looks a little different from what we’re used to. We’re proposing a Special General Meeting is held late next March to ratify these temporary measures. This meeting may be held virtually via zoom (or equivalent), or if circumstances allow in person.

1. Instead of a men’s league for one season, we become “open” allowing Ladies to play. We’re not calling it mixed because we do not wish to impose a requirement that each rink is mixed with all-male (or all-female) rinks allowed. This measure will allow couples to travel together in the event that there remain restrictions for social distancing. It may also help clubs who experience a significant decline in members. (This proposal will be voted on at the SGM next March).
2. We have rules in place for when teams aren’t fully manned see rule 15 http://www.wsbl.org.uk/community/west-somerset-bowls-league-13263/constitution-and-rules/ For one season only we propose reducing the minimum number of players in a team from 7 to 6, allowing three rinks to proceed. (This proposal will be voted on at the SGM next March).
3. We intend to allow clubs to play each other on a weekend afternoon (or any other mutually agreed time) rather than strictly Thursday evening. Both clubs will need to agree to this but we hope all clubs will be sympathetic should a request of this nature come in. Obviously, if one club already has a match planned for the weekend it may be difficult. This may be of particular interest to some of the longer distance matches? Please let Mark or Jay know if you do change a fixture.
4. Bar and after match catering arrangements also remain uncertain. We do ask though that host clubs inform their visitors beforehand of what bar/ catering services they may be able to offer. This will allow visiting teams to perhaps bring their own refreshments where none will be on offer by the host club, even if just to have a snack in the car before the journey home. In these exceptional times, we wouldn’t wish to see a match canceled simply because clubs were unable to offer bar or catering services.

Please feel free to let the committee know if you have any comments about these proposals, and also if you become aware that you will need to reduce the number of teams you enter.

Any feedback should be emailed to enquiries@wsbl.org.uk

Mark Reeve, WSBL Secretary

Roland Bath, Chairman

Don Bridges, Vice-Chairman

Bill Warnett, Treasurer

Jay Merrell, Asst. Secretary

www.wsbl.org.uk