As a County we have been contacted by the BCGBA who have circulated the following advice for bowling matches that are taking place in this period of unusual weather with increased temperatures.

Extreme Heat Guidance for League Fixtures June 2026

Thank you to WWCBA for sharing their document below which has been adapted for all Counties.

With the crown green bowls season now in full swing, and in anticipation of forecast extreme temperatures and weather warnings across our region, North Lancs and Fylde CBA on the advice of the BCGBA is issuing the following guidance to clubs, players and League Officials. [NOTE: Warnings by the UK Government based on the Met Office advice]

This notice, whilst not yet directly altering arrangements, is intended to provide guidance and support for all leagues, clubs, teams and players affiliated to North Lancs and Fylde CBA

Our priority is the health, safety and welfare of all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators.

General Advice for All Bowls Activity

• Hydration is essential – drink water regularly before, during and after play. Avoid excessive alcohol and limit dehydrating drinks.
• Seek shade wherever possible and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest periods of the day.
• Wear suitable clothing including hats/caps and apply high-factor sun cream regularly.
• Clubs should ensure drinking water, shaded areas and suitable welfare arrangements are available.
• Consider adjusting start times to avoid the hottest part of the day (between 11am–3pm).
• Take regular comfort breaks once ends are completed.

League Fixtures During Extreme Heat

For fixtures taking place during periods covered by Amber or Red heat warnings:

• North Lancs and Fylde CBA strongly recommends that matches scheduled during the hottest periods of the day are postponed and rearranged.

• Any team requesting postponement due to extreme heat conditions and welfare concerns may do so without forfeit.
• Rearranged fixtures should take place in accordance with normal league rules. Where no rearrangement period exists, clubs are expected to agree a new date within 29 days of the original fixture.
• No club should refuse a reasonable postponement request made on health and safety grounds.

Where Both Teams Wish to Proceed

If both clubs mutually agree to play, clubs must actively assess and manage conditions and should consider:

• Earlier or later start times
• Increased breaks and access to refreshments
• Availability of shade for players, markers and spectators
• Monitoring participants for signs of heat-related illness
• Stopping play and restarting at a later time or rearranging to another day if conditions become unsafe

This guidance reflects current weather advice and recognises that conditions may differ across venues. Clubs and players should exercise sensible judgement and prioritise welfare at all times.

North Lancs and Fylde CBA following the advice of the BCGBA reserves the right to issue further direction should conditions worsen or official weather warnings escalate.