National Finals resume on Saturday 10th September
The Bowls England National Finals will resume on Saturday 10th September following their suspension to mark our respect for the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our Patron. This decision has been taken in line with Official National Mourning guidance issued this morning.
Flags at Victoria Park will be at half-mast or have been removed. Players and umpires will be given the opportunity to wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence at the start of each day’s play during the nation’s days of mourning.
Bowls England’s media activity will be much reduced during this period and it has not been possible to rearrange live streaming for the Men’s Singles competition.
National Finals Players
Following the postponement of play on Friday 9th September, we have rescheduled all outstanding events. In doing so, we have adopted the following key principles:
- Complete the Men’s National Singles Championship that was due for Friday 9th September at the earliest opportunity
- Retain the original programme for all inter-county events
- Complete all other events by the date they were originally due to finish to minimize disruption for players, spectators, umpires and volunteers
In order to enable us to achieve this, the number of ends in all remaining rounds of the Senior Fours (both genders) and Mixed Fours will be reduced to 15. All rounds of the Mixed Fours will now take place on Sunday 11th September.
We are aware that for a very small number of players, the changes will not enable them to participate fully in all events for which they have qualified. Given the exceptional circumstances, we trust that those affected will understand the decisions that we have taken.
Click here to find the weekend’s revised programme.
National Finals Ticket-Buyers
Tickets for Friday 9th September will be valid for either Saturday 10th September or Sunday 11th September.
Future Events
More details of the State Funeral will be known soon. We will advise whether protocols in relation to this national event will impact on the Men’s and Women’s Top Club and British Isles Junior International Series.
Club and County Bowls
It is the decision of each club to decide the appropriateness of continuing with scheduled activity following the sad announcement of the passing of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. Should activity continue, clubs should be mindful of the tone, presentation and content of any activity or communications planned at this time. Venues should also take appropriate measures to follow flag etiquette. Find flag etiquette guidance here.
On behalf of everyone connected with Bowls England, our thoughts and deepest condolences continue to be with the Royal Family at this time. We appreciate the support we have received in navigating through recent events.