Jim Ansbro (1941 -2022)

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death, on 10th Oct 2022, of our beloved past ITBA President, Jim Ansbro. For many years, Jim, a true gentleman and accomplished bowler, was very actively involved with the monthly Seniors Touring League and loved his annual trips to the European Senior (ESBC) event.

Jim was conferred with Honorary Membership in 2019 in recognition of his highly significant contribution and distinguished service, including his pivotal role in representing the Association at both Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport. He served with such distinction as ITBA President from 2014 to 2018.

Many benefited from Jim’s encouragement and sage advice, while he always generously gave of his time. Our sincerest condolences go out to his wife Margaret, daughter Fiona, his five sons, James, Stephen, Edward, Michael and Paul and all his extended family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

ITBA Match Play 2021

The ITBA Team Ireland Match Play will take place in Leisureplex Coolock on October 22nd and 23rd.

The event will be played on the Bourbon Street pattern. Bowlers will play 5 games to determine the top 32 finalists. All seeding will be based off Qualifying scores. The highest seed player will play the lowest seed player ( 1v32 / 2v31 / 3v30 etc.). Bowlers will then break off into their groups and then bowl 2 game Total Matchplay with cut to top 16. The highest seed player will play the lowest seed player over 2 games with cut to top 8. The highest seed player will play the lowest seed player over 2 games with cut to top 4. The highest seed player will play the lowest seed player over 2 games with cut to top 2. The final match will again be over 2 games.

Handicap will be based on 80% of 210 based on highest average as provided & confirmed.
Ties will be decided by high last game.

Click here for the online entry form.

Government announcement on easing of Restrictions

On Friday May 28th the Government announced a further easing of Restrictions for June and July.

Key Highlights relating to sport and physical activity are summarised below.

From 7 June

  • Outdoor sports matches & competition can recommence.
  • The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events is a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.
  • Indoor facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres and sports clubs can reopen for individual training. Sport Ireland has previously provided guidance to the sector on the delivery of individual indoor sport. This Guidance is reattached for convenience.
  • Swimming lessons and classes can also resume.

From 5 July (Subject to Public Health)

  • The numbers permitted at outdoor organised events can further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
  • Indoor sports training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6
  • Additional indoor facilities such as bowling alleys, snooker halls, ice-skating/roller skating rinks and waterparks can reopen in line with appropriate sectoral guidance

Please find some additional information / reminders in relation to the resumption of sport and physical activity during the current June phase.

Outdoor Competition:

‘The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events is a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.’

These figures 100/200 relate to the number of spectators that will now be permitted to attend an event. These figures are independent of participants, officials and coaches.

Sport Ireland has previously distributed guidance to individual / non team sports in relation to delivering competition. NGBs are encouraged to continue to take a prudent approach to overall capacities in the initial return and are encouraged to discuss competition plans and needs with Sport Ireland.

Outdoor Training:

While the return to outdoor Competition can return, the Pods of 15 concept are still maintained for training purposes. In line with previous phases, multiple pods can be used during training sessions however these pods should not mix.

Indoor Individual Training Capacities:

Indoor training activity (no indoor Games, matches or competitions) is currently permitted.

Detailed Guidance on the return to Individual indoor Training specifically for NGBs and LSPs has been previously distributed by Sport Ireland and continues to apply.

The total numbers permitted in an indoor facility will be determined by the overall size of the venue.

When finalising capacity numbers sports should ensure that all relevant protocols in particular physical distancing can be fully implemented.

Other indoor leisure facilities, including gyms, are reopen for people to take part in individual exercise, including 1 to 1 training. It is important to note that indoor Group exercise classes are not permitted in those facilities at this point.

Managing Overall Capacities:

In addition to the gradual return to sporting activity, June & July will see a broader re-opening of society. Sporting Bodies should consider the return of multiple elements of activity such as competition, spectators, hospitality etc. at venues and plan accordingly.

Participation in Sporting Activity during COVID 19:

As with all activity during COVID 19 the return to training and competition should be on an opt-in basis, with participants taking personal responsibility to decide whether they are happy to return. It is important that participants are not be penalised if they wish to opt-out of activity.

Participants should be encouraged to communicate any concerns to their club and/or National Governing Body so that they can be addressed accordingly.

ITBA 2021 Annual General Meeting

The ITBA Executive wish to advise that due to current COVID-19 restrictions it has been deemed necessary to postpone the 2021 Annual General Meeting scheduled for April 27th 2021.

As soon as restrictions allow, the Executive will reschedule the meeting and advise all members.

ITBA COVID-19 Return To Sport Protocol

The ITBA in conjunction with Sport Ireland and Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTS) have finalised a protocol for the Return to Bowling.

ITBA COVID-19 Return To Sport Protocol

This document should be reviewed by all ITBA Members and adhered to with regard to all ITBA official sessions whether be Practice, Training or Competition as and when they are organised.

Other documents you will become familiar with when attending ITBA official sessions are as follows. These documents will by provided by your Sub-Committee COVID-19 Officer:

ITBA COVID-19 Registration Form

ITBA COVID-19 Officer Advice