Concerns around wearing masks and travel conditions have come to light on the eve of the Ovens and Murray bowls season.
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Weekend pennant is set to start next Saturday, and, as it stands, bowlers are required to wear masks on the green as the sport is considered non-strenuous.
Confusion between the Victorian DHHS guidelines and Bowls Victoria's return to play rules have made things more difficult for clubs.
Face masks must be worn at all times in Victoria, with the exception of strenuous exercise or when playing community sport.
However, with bowls' non-strenuous status, Bowls Victoria recommends the use of a mask in a safe and responsible manner.
On the travel front, no more than two people can be in the same car from a different family, meaning weekend pennant teams of 16 could be forced to take at least eight separate vehicles or organise other transport to and from matches.
The passenger is required to travel in the rear seat diagonally across from the driver to ensure 1.5m separation is achieved, with masks to be worn throughout.
Wodonga Bowling Club bowls director and O and M pennant committee member Noel Murrell can foresee a number of issues with masks.
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"As the weather gets hotter, it's going be harder especially for older people who struggle breathing anyway," Mr Murrell said.
"What we've done is say you must wear masks, but when you're on the mat ready to deliver your bowl, you can lower or take off your mask. As soon as you step off, you must put it back on again.
"The worst thing is up here the risk is so low now."
Mr Murrell said having only two people per car is frustrating, given taxis can seat four with masks worn.
Region president Laureen Smith said given the nature of 2020, the guidelines could change between now and the start of the season.
"Things have changed on a daily basis, so we'll keep our eyes on the resources and stay in touch with BV to see what goes on," she said.
"If golfers have to wear masks, I can't see any reason why bowlers shouldn't because even though we're outside, there's a lot more of us in a smaller space."
The pennant committee delayed the season a month to try to avoid scheduling headaches with two clubs, Mansfield and Swanpool, outside the NSW border region. With the border still closed, bowlers beyond the boundary must play inside the zone at nearby clubs such as Benalla and Wangaratta.
If they draw one of the four NSW-based clubs (Corowa Civic, Corowa RSL, Club Mulwala or YMGCR) away, that match would have to be played inside the border region but in Victoria.
The state fours starts at Wangaratta on Sunday, with the AGM at the same venue on November 8.