20 minute read
On the green again
from August 2020
Back on the green! Queenslanders
Kerry Hagan, Gary Barton, Marlene Griffin, Christine Twist, Denis McManus, Bruce and Sue Harford, Marlies Van Reit, Jenny Whitelaw at Club Maroochy
L-R: G L ahey, W M ischlewsk i, C Jamieson, D Murphy. R Paton, R Byrne, I Fleming, F Rob er tson. N M cLean, J Brennan, G Jamieson, C H illard at Goondiwindi Bowls Club
Roll ups resume at Rockhampton
Benjamin back to bowls
Paradise Point’s Benjamin Harrison (9) was delighted to get back on the green!
Story by Rod (Kiwi) Gardiner (Rockhampton Bowls Club)
Twenty five members took advantage of roll ups resuming at Rockhampton Bowls Club. Due to COVID-19 restrictions it has not been an easy process with hygiene protocols at the top of the list. So thanks in particular to Peter Lawton for coordinating the restart.
The roll ups also have to be monitored, so thanks to the other volunteers who have offered their time to oversee the sessions.
I myself had a roll up on Sunday morning with Syd O’Sing. I suggested I might be a bit rusty, Syd suggested (jokingly, I think) it was just like riding a bike. Thankfully the wheels didn’t fall off so if you want to get back on the bike (rink) just ring Peter Lawton on 0409 499 216 and book a spot.
L-R: K Millgate, R Byrne, C Jamieson, C McClymont, I Fleming, D Kitchin, J Byrne, J Suttor at Goondiwindi Bowls Club
Cheryl Wickham and Linda Hartley still social distancing from “Jack” at the Southern Cross Bowls Club, Warwick
Rocky’s Victoria Park is buzzing
Victoria Park Bowls Club has made some improvements, such as painting the club sign and installing new awning shades along the front of the clubhouse. The lockdown has been a time for helping each other, and the club would like to extend a big thank you to the Diggers Memorial Bowls Club for allowing them to store their keg beer in the cold room over the shutdown. Thanks also to club member Tony Lowry who transported the kegs to and from Diggers.
Jan Knox is pictured below enjoying being back on the green after a four month break.
Lowood makes the most of shutdown
Story by Vicki Cameron (Lowood and District Memorial Bowls Club Inc)
Thanks to a grant from Sport Australia the lights over the green have been upgraded and a new spectator and player area which includes a children’s play space has proved popular. This area received its finishing touches just prior to the Covid shutdown.
The club received approval of its application for a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund on the day of shutdown! The grant allowed for a brand new stainless steel kitchen with an adjoining storeroom to be completed and ready for use when the club reopened. Shut down time was also utilised with the painting of the club inside and out and with building works enabling direct access to the toilets from the outside.
Fingers crossed that Covid restrictions continue to be eased to allow the club to make maximum use of the improvements.
Getting to know BQ: COLLEEN RYAN
Paradise Point’s Colleen Ryan has been a bowls fanatic since being introduced to the sport in 1996 by her husband Ben who took her to try bowls at Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, which was just a short walk from their house at the time.
Colleen was always a big fan of sports and had been an avid golfer in New Zealand where she had won several championships, before her and her husband retired and relocated to the Gold Coast where Colleen went on to win a few more golfing events.
Colleen had previously played indoor bowls with a family team composed of Colleen’s father, two brothers and herself where they had done well, before that she had competed in tennis, netball and table tennis.
In New Zealand, Colleen and her husband owned a key cutting and engraving business and following that she managed a security firm.
When Colleen first took up bowls, her initial coach said that they struggled to train her as she was naturally lefthanded.
“My coach said they couldn’t teach a left-hander, so I said I’d play right-handed instead,” Colleen said.
“I played right-handed until I went into a squad, and they changed me back to playing left-handed, as they said it was better for me to just play naturally!”
At Burleigh, Colleen helped out in the games room for a while before moving to Club Helensvale with her husband, while at Helensvale she became a selector and later joined the district committee in 2006.
While working with the Gold Coast-Tweed District, Colleen moved from the match committee to become junior vice president of the GCTDLBA, before later becoming the senior vice and then president of the district in 2009.
Colleen was approached by Bowls Queensland to see if she would be interested in joining the match committee to help out which she obliged, she held this position for five years before taking on the role of match coordinator. After her stint with the Bowls Queensland match committee, a position opened up on the board for BQ as a director, which is the position she holds now. Colleen says she dedicates so much of her time to bowls because she enjoys working and meeting with bowlers from around the state.
“I like the organisational side of working with Bowls Queensland, but I really enjoy the company and the people,” Colleen says.
“The thing about sportspeople is that they are sort of a different kettle of fish and I’ve just enjoyed what I’ve been doing.”
While she enjoys the role of being a director on Bowls Queensland’s board, she says it does come with its own set of challenges.
“The biggest challenge is trying to make everyone happy, we’ve got to look after everyone,” Colleen says.
“There are big clubs and there are small clubs, but I think they should all be treated equally and I think that’s the name of the game really, it’s just about looking after one another.
“A good board member is for everyone, not just your club or district, we’ve got to look after the whole State.
“It’s all about helping the State and helping people throughout and that’s what I’ve enjoyed.
“I get quite a few phone calls from people from different districts asking for my opinion and things like that, I like meeting different people and trying to help people as much as I can.”
At Paradise Point, Colleen is an umpire as well as the club’s umpire coordinator. When it comes to volunteering, Colleen encourages others to give it a go as the sport needs volunteers to help it run.
“People need help, help them,” Colleen says. “Volunteers today are very hard to come by, but it’s rewarding to do.
“People have said to me ‘oh you’ve been doing it a long time’ and I always say you only get out of it what you put into it.
“The thing is as well, it has helped me since I lost my husband and daughter and I think it works both ways as it has given me something to do to take my mind off of things.”
Getting to know BQ: COLLEEN RYAN
Colleen says the role has given her plenty of great experiences too, and she cherishes the time she gets to spend travelling around the State and the people she meets.
“I love going into the country towns, they are my favourite places to visit,” she said.
“They’re just a totally different group of people, sportsmanship wise or whatever, I just love the country and country people, they’re just there to be friends with you and they’re there for the fun of the sport.
“It’s a different atmosphere, and they’re just fun people.”
The importance of roles within a club
By Lesley Bates
Bowls Queensland has released a manual for clubs regarding the responsibilities and duties of positions within a club to ensure the correct procedures are in place to comply with the legal responsibilities and assist with the efficient running of a club.
I have been on some excellent club committees but it can be hard work to secure replacements when these positions become vacant. Sometimes, the reason for a club closing is because the following compulsory executive positions to maintain incorporation could not be filled:
President (or chairperson)
runs meetings and usually represents the organisation at public events
Treasurer (or financial officer)
deals with the financial affairs of the organisation, however the financial affairs of the organisation is the responsibility of all committee members
Secretary
reports to Office of Fair Trading, organises meetings, deals with documents and maintains records of the association. The secretary does not need to be a member of the association or management committee (although they can be).
Of course there are lots of other positions on a board, however a club can still function legally with only these three executive positions filled.
This Bowls Queensland manual should be circulated to club members as many are afraid to put their hands up for positions because they are uncertain of the duties, time involved and responsibilities.
Another important position is the club delegate that attends district meetings. They must be financial members and can only represent one club at a meeting. In the event of a delegate from any club not being able to attend a meeting, the Secretary of that club may appoint in writing, any financial member of the club or another club to act as a proxy.
The club delegate’s duties are to consult with the club prior to attending the meeting, prepare and present any concerns the club wants to raise, submit club proposals, vote on any proposals, take notes and submit a written report to share with the club soon after the meeting.
Many people do not realise the importance of a district committee. Anyone wishing to sit in at their meetings are welcome as an observer to see what important work they do for their clubs. They organise coaching and umpire courses, the running of district level games, yearly events calendars, consult with Bowls Queensland, organise interstate travel, managers, coaches, teams, accommodation and gain grants for items such as umpire kits, course costs, Rookie Roller Kits that save money and are of benefit to every club.
I recently had the pleasure of being invited by the North Queensland District Men’s Bowls Association to attend their forums in three different regional areas within the district.
Development with Lesley, Wade and Micheal
Lesley Wade Micheal
The main topics of the forums were:
The restructure of games (pennants, single champion of champions that lead to higher levels such as state, national or world events plus the Dunn Cup and other games that are played out at district level). The encouragment of clubs to run their special club days with the full support of the district. This is an excellent way to recoup some money that has been lost in recent times An informative session on Stage 3 of the Covoid19 situation, governance requirements and an audit of what is being done correctly and what measures were needed for upgrading. These meeting have given the clubs the confidence and the tools to ensure that the club complied with State Sport and Recreation, Health Department, Office of Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing requirements.
Please enjoy being back at bowls but also think of all the work that is getting done behind the scenes that makes our sport fantastic. Offer your support, volunteer or become a committee member and a simple “thank you” goes along way too!
Don’t forget Bowls Australia’s Regional Bowls Managers Micheal Sorrensen, Wade Mutzelburg and myself are here to help so feel free to get in touch.
Pictured below: Suburban Bowling Club’s 2019 winning Dunn Cup Team L-R Ian Crichton (second), Bryan Roper (third), David Goode (skip), Bruce Maggs (lead) & Jeff Brease (reserve)
RBM - NORTH QLD
Lesley Bates 0429 213 207 lbates@bowls.com.au
RBM - CENTRAL QLD
Wade Mutzelburg 0429 442 818 wmutzelburg@bowls.com.au
RBM - SOUTH EAST QLD
Micheal Sorrensen 0447 507 040 msorrensen@bowls.com.au
Innisfail’s Lightning Fours
Story and photos by Maria Girgenti
Innisfail Bowls Club returned to almost normal play on Saturday, July 11 by staging a ‘Lightning Fours’ tournament which was open to bowlers from clubs across the North Queensland districts.
The annual event is usually held as two bowl triples, however, due to demand from the bowling fraternity, this was changed to a fours game to allow an extra 16 players on the green. Club President Alf Strano adopted all guidelines as per the COVID Safe Plan during the tournament and was very pleased with the change in format from triples to fours. “It was great to see a full green and everyone enjoying the atmosphere of the event. There were lots of smiles, laughter, chatter and some superb bowling,” Strano said. Ben Cribbin (Cairns), Alf Siliato (Innisfail), Neil Morris (Innisfail) and Alf Strano (Innisfail) were tournament winners with 58 points. Second place getters were Shane McInerney (South Johnstone), Brandon Smith (Babinda), Wayne Petrolis (Edge Hill) and Santo Raciti (South Johnstone) on 49 points. In third place were Sam Pagano (Innisfail), Snow Clark (Innisfail), John Poplin (Edmonton) and Sergio Dalla Pozza (Innisfail) also on 49 points.
Maisie Smith and Sue Morrison watch the head
Below: Diana O'Brien and Bev Anderson in the next rink while Pam Anderson prepares to bowl, and Jan Edgerton waits her turn
Louise Hoskins sends down a bowl while Dell Steve, Dian Catelan and Jan Dunn watch on
As we have now been experiencing Stage 3 conditions that commenced from July 3, I hope that all members are enjoying being back on the green. To those who enjoy their competitive bowls, I hope that you have been able to compete in various competitions. Of course, we still have certain restrictions that need to be followed and these are important to enable all members to continue to be safe and well. Last month I set out the details regarding what is required to be a marker, measurer or national umpire and I do hope that many of you are interested and have contacted your Club Secretary or District Umpire Committee.
Those that are due for reaccreditation prior to 31/12/2020 would have been advised in May that they have been given an exemption for reaccreditation until the 31/12/2020. Those officials that do have certificates that expire prior to 31/12/2020 should still apply for reaccreditation to enable the courses to be conducted early in 2021.
I will list below a brief outline of what is required for each component when reaccrediting. The exams will be “open book” and you are able to access your Law Book as the correct law numbers are required. Some questions relate to the Officiating Manual, therefore no law numbers are required here - only page numbers. Reaccreditation forms may be accessed from your Club Secretary, District Umpire Committee or under “Forms” on the Bowls Queensland (BQ) web site. An up-to-date Blue Card is also required.
MARKER
1. Complete the Reaccreditation as a Marker application form and return with payment to BQ. 2. Have your Club Secretary/President complete and return the Recognition of performance as an official form. 3. Answer the five questions relating to markers in Part 1 (questions 6 – 10). 4. Prior to undertaking the assessment, practice the marking tasks in preparation for Part 2 - On Green Assessment by an approved assessor.
5. Answer the three questions in Part 3 (Managing Self). 6. Show the approved assessor you have the most current copy of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls. 7. Submit your signed Sport Australia Code of Ethics/Bowls Australia – Official’s Code of Behaviour form to the assessor.
MEASURER
1. Compete the Reaccreditation as a Measurer application form and return with payment to BQ. 2. Have your Club Secretary/President complete and return the Recognition of Performance as an official form.
3. Answer the five questions relating to Measuring in Part 1 (questions 11 – 15). 4. Answer the three questions in Part 3 (Managing Self). 5. Prior to understanding the assessment, practice the measuring assessments in preparation for Part 4 - On Green Assessment by an approved assessor.
6. Show the approved assessor you have the most current copy of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls. 7. Submit your signed Sport Australia Code of Ethics/Bowls Australia – Official’s Code of Behaviour form to the assessor.
NATIONAL UMPIRE
1. Complete the Reaccreditation as an Umpire application form and return with payment to BQ. 2. Have your Club Secretary/President complete and return the Recognition of performance as an official form. 3. Answer all 15 questions in Part 1 (National Umpire x 5, Marker x 5 and Measurer x 5). 4. Prior to undertaking the assessment, practice the marking tasks in preparation for Part 2 – On Green Assessment by an assessor. 5. Answer the 3 questions in Part 3 (Managing Self). 6. Prior to undertaking the assessment, practice the measuring assessments in preparation for Part 4 - On Green Assessment by an approved assessor. 7. Show the approved assessor you have the most current copy of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls. 8. Submit your signed Sport Australia Code of Ethics/Bowls Australia – Official’s Code of Behaviour form to the assessor.
We all know and appreciate that officiating is very important and, as we begin our journey back to normal, I do hope that all members that are due for reaccreditation will follow through with it and I wish you all the very best. Take care and keep well.
GRANTS TO WATCH - NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
Keep an eye on government, your local council’s and sporting association’s websites to see when grants become available.
Bookmark these links so you have easy access to these websites when you are looking for grants.
Remember that your RBM is there to help with any questions about grant applications, so contact them for assistance.
www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding
www.grants.services.qld.gov.au/#/
www.qra.qld.gov.au/QRRRF
www.qcoss.org.au/grants/
www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants
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What you need to know about the updates to the Industry COVID Safe Plan
On 10 July 2020, in line with stage 3 easing of coronavirus restrictions a week earlier, the State Government approved amendments to the Industry COVID Safe Plan for Queensland Hotels & Clubs (Industry Plan). The information contained in this article is current at the time of publication. Please note that elements of the Industry Plan may change as restrictions continue to shift.
Overview of the Industry Plan
• Businesses compliant with the Industry
Plan are able to offer services to an increased number of patrons than allowed under the ordinary COVID-19 restrictions; • In order to opt-in to the Industry Plan, businesses must follow and comply with all requirements of the Industry Plan and sign and date the Statement of Compliance on the Business Premises; and • The maximum number of patrons permitted in a venue is determined by the four square metre rule, unless the venue is smaller than 200m2, in which case one patron is allowed for every two square metres (up to a maximum of 50 patrons).
Self-service food tables & buffets
Self-serve buffets remain prohibited under the Industry Plan, in line with the directions of the Chief Health Officer. This prohibition extends to most forms of communal food sharing, including the placing of table platters to be shared amongst diners.
Pool tables, darts and jukeboxes
Communal recreation activities, such as the use of pool tables, dart boards and jukeboxes are permitted, provided their use is in compliance with the Industry Plan. Compliance calls for the encouragement of physical distancing and the installation of hygiene measures (such as hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes) in areas with frequently touched communal equipment.
Weddings, events and private functions
The Queensland Government has recently published an Industry COVID Safe Plan for Weddings. Noting that there is currently a maximum of 100 attendees at a wedding ceremony, this does not extend to a reception, provided that the venue complies with the four square metre rule, the 100 guest limit does not apply to receptions.
Managing queuing
It is important to keep in mind that venues are obligated to maintain a safe environment in and around their venues. This principle extends to implementing measures to manage patrons queued outside the Premises. Where possible, it is suggested that you remind patrons of the importance of physical distancing and to be realistic regarding wait times to avoid unnecessary queuing.
Courtesy Buses
The Industry Plan identifies Courtesy Transport Vehicles as a risk environment, but allows their use. The Industry Plan requires that: • A record of all courtesy transport users is kept, with all users to sign the register; • The passenger seat beside the driver must remain vacant to maintain appropriate physical distancing; • Wherever practical, passengers spread out in the vehicle to maintain physical distancing where possible; and • Signage be installed in the vehicle encouraging passengers to leave a gap between themselves and others where possible.
Gaming Rooms
The Industry Plan includes a special checklist in relation to the operation of gaming facilities (including pokies, TAB and Keno). The checklist deals with matters relating to
physical distancing (including separate entry and exit points, floor markings and physical barriers) as well as hygiene and cleaning matters. Close regard should be paid to these practices, specifically in relation to how patron interactions (such as at payout) are handled.
Tracing Information
Compliance officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming have commented that venues are becoming complacent in collecting mandatory contact details, as required by both the Industry Plan and the Chief Medical Officer’s Public Health Directions.
The fines for non-compliance with these obligations are severe and it is important that venues collect and keep contact information for all dine-in guests and staff (as well as those users of courtesy transport as outlined above) for 56 days. It is recommended that venues install signage to serve as a reminder to both staff and patrons of their obligations in relation to tracing information. Although Queensland has had positive results to date, it is important that the club industry does not become complacent, and remains vigilant in following the Industry Plan, so as to avoid the types of outbreaks we have seen in other states. If you have any questions about what your venue needs to do in order to comply, please do not hesitate to call me on 07 3224 0353.
AUTHOR
Matthew Bradford PARTNER
