It is still several months away from starting but the Bendigo Bowls Division is confident it will be able to run its pennant season.
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Although it might be slightly different than in the past, plans are already in the works in preparation.
"We're hopeful that we can actually start our season as we normally would in October, but of course that will depend on social distancing and other requirements," Bendigo Bowls Division secretary Geoff Howes said.
"Until we get closer to the date we won't really know what type of pennant we can hold this year.
"On a Saturday nearly every green is used up and then if there are restrictions on distancing it might lead to less teams being able to bowl.
"Until we get closer or when restrictions are lifted, we won't really be able to tell."
Another hurdle which the bowls clubs face is delaying their annual general meetings which are usually held in July.
"Usually around July-July we all have our AGMs and we are able to starting putting together a program for the whole season," Howes said.
"But obviously everything has been delayed and we will need to wait for advice from Bowls Australia and Bowls Victoria."
In recent months, even though competitive events have been off the cards, bowlers have been refining their rolling skills at social meetings.
As on Monday June 22 the level of restrictions will move to stage three which allows for more participants on greens.
Key changes include 32 participants allowed on each outside green, clubs with indoor greens can operate with up to 20 people, club championship games are allowed and club houses with licensed venues can operate for up to 50 people.
The changes will come into effect in addition to the expected social distancing and hygiene requirements.
Until further Victorian Government measures are released, these requirements are expected to remain in place until mid-July.
Bowls Victoria also plans to send out further information to clubs and players regarding pennant and State Championships before Monday June 22.
The State Championships were originally scheduled to be hosted in Bendigo in April, but were cancelled as COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.
Bowls Victoria has now proposed the championships to be played in July, although not in Bendigo but instead at locations throughout the state which have undercover venues.
Bendigo district bowlers will compete at the events.
Weekend 1 (Shepparton) - Friday July 10 - Sunday July 12
- Over-60s Singles
- Men's and Women's Singles
- Men's and Women's CoC Singles
Weekend 2 (Metro/Geelong) - Saturday July 18 - Sunday July 19
- Mixed Pairs Saturday
- Men's Fours Sunday Men's Triples and Women's Pairs
- Women's Fours Sunday
Weekend 3 (Warrnambool) - Friday July 24 - Sunday July 26
- Over-60s Pairs
- Men's Pairs and Women's Triples
- Men's Triples and Women's Pairs
Weekend 4 (Deer Park) August 1 - All finals
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