GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - While Bowls South Africa is studying the gazetted law on what Government deems to be a non-contact sport and which sports are meant to be professional, the Graaff-Reinet Bowling Club remains closed on Level 3 of lockdown.

The president of the club, Oosie Oosthuizen, said management cannot open the club before permission is not exclusively obtained from Bowls SA.

"In the meantime, the club does not have an income, so we are doing our utmost to maintain jobs as best as possible with what we have," Oosthuizen said.

He explained that the club's pitcher still deserves a salary, but if the situation lasts much longer as it is now under lockdown, it will be difficult to sustain the payment.

"SA bowling is still negotiating and there will probably be more light on the matter in the next few weeks," he said.

Oosthuizen added that the issue might be that the average age of bowlers is 60 and older, which is considered as a at- risk age for the Covid-19.

Bowl SA, in a letter to all clubs, said if any player takes the risk to play on their own and get caught for breaching the legislation, the individual will be held responsible.

Oosthuizen, however, said the Graaff-Reinet Club won't allow individuals to play on the club's greens.

Bowl SA gave the assurance that, as soon as they have clarity and clearance on the law, they will reopen the sport that so many love to play.

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