Whitmer Opens Bowling Alleys with Restrictions
by Mason Doerr
Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-176, which allows for the reopening of bowling alleys throughout the state for leagues and other organized events. There was no change to bowling alleys in regions 6 & 8, which can remain open for public play as long as they abide by social distancing measures and an occupancy restriction of 25% or 250, whichever is smaller. Other athletic venues including trampoline parks, indoor pools and ice rinks follow the same guidelines as above. This is effective immediately. Movie theaters and performance venues must remain closed.
From the order:
(e) Bowling alleys, roller rinks, and ice rinks may be open for the sole purpose of serving as a venue for organized sports under section 7 of this order
Section 7: Organized sports.
(a) For purposes of this order, “organized sports” means competitive athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and organized by an institution or association that sets and enforces rules to ensure the physical health and safety of all participants (“sports organizer” or “sports organizers”).
(b) Athletes participating in an organized sport, while on the field of play, are not subject to the social distancing requirements of this order found in sections 2(a) and 6(a)(1), but instead must maintain six feet of distance from one another to the extent compatible with that organized sport, and wear a facial covering except when swimming. Sports organizers shall ensure that athletes comply with this subsection for each organized sporting event.
(c) Sports organizers should follow the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding whether and how a sport can be played safely.
(d) For indoor organized sports competitions, sports organizers must ensure that the live audience is limited to the guests of the athletes with each athlete designating up to two guests. For outdoor organized sports competitions, sports organizers must ensure that either
(i) the live audience is limited to the guests of the participants with each athlete designating up to two guests or
(ii) the live audience is limited to the extent that 100 people or fewer are gathered for the event including all participants (athletes, coaches, staff, etc.).
(e) For indoor organized sports, sports organizers must ensure that no concessions are sold at the venue.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this order, professional sports leagues and teams, including professional athletes engaged in individual sports, may engage in professional sports operations, provided that:
(1) No live audiences are allowed, except for staff of the facility at which a sporting event is held and media personnel reporting on, filming, or otherwise documenting the sporting event;
(2) The activities are conducted pursuant to a COVID-19 safety plan that is consistent with any guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; and
(3) Participants maintain six feet of distance from one another to the extent compatible with the sporting activity