Bowls and athletics can resume this week
ISLAND sport stands at ‘one-and-a-half’ on a scale of six in terms of returning to totally normal.
That is the view of the Guernsey Sports Commission’s relationship manager Steve Sharman, who is acting as the conduit between the official health authorities and sports and clubs.
And as golf and tennis swing back into action, Sharman says that athletics and bowls will also be able to resume immediately, although with strict measures.
‘It is step by step. We have got five/six stage points on our exit strategy and we are now at about one-and-a-half,’ he said.
‘Six is complete contact sports like rugby and football, ’ he added.
‘But our main aim at present is to get as much action as possible going.’
Sharman confirmed that lawn bowlers now have the go-ahead to play singles games and that at Footes Lane athletics coaching can resume, as long as the distancing guidelines are followed.
Trusting sports and clubs to strictly follow the guidelines was key to allowing further easing of restrictions in the coming weeks and months.
Sports have to act responsibly, he says, as they have to date.
Asked what the next stage is in easing of sporting restrictions, he said: ‘In golf we might go from two-balls to three or four-balls. In tennis, it might go from singles to doubles. In bowls it may be possible to move from singles to pairs.
‘It is about building up through the phases.’
As yet there is no decision on when Beau Sejour Centre will be able to open its doors but the Footes Lane track will available for one-to-one coaching this week.
‘We are working so hard on protecting individuals and sports.
‘But now they have got that licence to be competitive.’
