BTS Greens Protection Policy

Printable version: Greens Protection Policy (PDF)

PREAMBLE

1.1 This Bowls Tasmania South (BTS) Policy acknowledges that greens are the core material asset of clubs and inherently expensive to repair and replace.   This applies to both grass and artificial surfaces.

1.2 This Policy also acknowledges that through remedial practices the vast majority of bowlers should be able to continue to enjoy and compete in bowls and that bowls will continue to be a sport for life.

1.3 This Policy applies to any BTS sanctioned events.

GUIDELINES

2.1 A player may be deemed to be causing undue damage to a green if the player:

2.1.1 Drops bowls from the bank to the green, or

2.1.2 Delivers bowls in a forward motion higher than 30 centimetres from the ground; or

2.1.3 Delivers bowls in a downward motion higher than 15 centimetres from the ground.

2.2 The process for a player who is causing undue damage to the green is as follows:

2.2.1 If by observation, BTS through its deputised representative appointed by BTS for the purpose of this Policy, an umpire or side captain considers a player is causing damage to a green, the player should be reported in writing to BTS;

2.3 BTS must advise the home club of the player concerned so that appropriate assistance can be offered to the player.

2.4 Clubs have an obligation to assist bowlers to remedy the action or activity that is causing damage.

2.5 To assist a player who is damaging the green, the following should be considered by the club:

2.5.1 Attempt to understand how or why the player is causing damage to the green;

2.5.2 Ask the club coach to contact the player and provide some coaching advice;

2.5.3 Modify the player’s delivery;

2.5.4 Discuss with the player options such as using a bowlers arm;

2.5.5 Use a ground sheet when delivering a bowl; or

2.5.6 Use a dump mat.

2.6 The club is required to report back to BTS within 21 days on actions taken to remedy the player’s delivery together with a statement on whether such actions have been successful in overcoming the delivery which is damaging the green.

2.7 The player may continue to play in BTS sanctioned events while participating in remedial action to correct the player’s delivery action but a second independent adverse report during this period will result in immediate suspension from play in all BTS sanctioned events.

2.8 If in the opinion of BTS the player’s action may still be causing damage to a green, BTS may formally review the player’s action and may take actions as it deems fit to remedy the player’s action.

2.9 Following action undertaken in clause 2.8 above, if in the opinion of BTS through its deputised representative appointed by BTS for the purpose of this Policy the player continues to damage a green, the player may be required to retire from the game but may be allowed a substitute player as per DR2.4.

2.10 If the player fails to leave the green the player will be considered to be a defaulting player and forfeit the game to their opponent as per Law C2 and Law C10, and no substitute will be allowed.

2.11 Any action taken by BTS must remain confidential.   Any players who have been reported to BTS under this Policy must not be named in BTS Board minutes or any other public BTS documents.

 

Approved by BTS Board
16 August 2021

Review: June 2026