Bowls Australia Statement Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations.

ROLL UP FOR THE JAB

Bowls Australia (BA) is encouraging all bowlers to ‘roll up for the jab‘ in effort to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate.

Much like in bowls, where rolling up is crucial to being a good team-player and staying ahead of the opposition, BA are advocating for bowlers to roll up their sleeve and receive the vaccine to protect the bowls and wider community and ensure Australia stays ahead in the fight against COVID-19.

BA CEO Neil Dalrymple said that while the sport wasn’t looking to implement a vaccination policy, it was imperative that bowlers look to shield each other from the virus by rolling up for the jab.

“COVID’s impact on the Bowls community has been significant, with numerous travel and border restrictions resulting in cancelled and postponed events, clubs closed for prolonged periods, and frequent stay-at-home orders impacting participants’ ability to play,” Dalrymple said.

“Broadly speaking, many bowlers are in a demographic that’s particularly susceptible to the effects of COVID-19 so it’s crucially important that the bowls community as a whole does its utmost to ensure these people are protected.

“Bowlers should be getting the jab to not just protect themselves, but to ensure their teammates in at-risk categories are safeguarded too.

“We also acknowledge that everyone has a right to decide whether to be vaccinated; everyone’s circumstances are different and only they can decide what’s best for them personally, but I would strongly encourage everyone that is able to roll up for the jab do so to protect themselves, friends, family and club-mates.”

BA continues to support governments, state and territory associations, clubs and members to ensure a safe environment for its members and participants.

All bowlers are encouraged to find out more about the COVID-19 vaccines and eligibility to receive the jab at australia.gov.au – bowlers may also need to seek medical advice based on personal circumstances.

BA will continue to monitor and review its position on this important issue.