Basketball New Zealand has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and will continue to do so.
We are closely following the advice of the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH). This is the first place you should check for the latest updates. Their dedicated Healthline number for COVID-19 is 0800 358 5453.
Here is some BBNZ-specific information and further links you may find helpful.
Tournaments and Leagues
We are planning on the basis that it will be business as usual until we know differently. We have pandemic policies in place from previous instances, such as measles, and will continue to liaise closely with event hosts and sanctioning bodies.
If you are hosting events or leagues of any kind, the MOH has guidelines that can be seen here. It should be noted that many insurance companies are not including COVID-19 in event cancellation insurance. You may wish to check directly with your insurer.
International Events
We are in regular communication with FIBA about the many international events that we have commitments to. These include the U16 Asia Champs, 3×3 Olympic Qualifiers, Men’s 5×5 Olympic qualifiers, U18 Asia Champs, U18 3×3 Worlds, etc.
The U16 Asia Champs have been cancelled. The 3×3 Olympic Qualifiers have been postponed. We will continue planning for the other events as if they will go ahead (because we have to assume that they will), but at the same time are assessing the implications of cancellations or postponements. We are expecting that at least some events will be cancelled or postponed given the spread of the virus and the consequent responses from various governments.
We appreciate your understanding with this level of uncertainty and will advise affected parties as (and if) situations change. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) travel advisories can be viewed here.
Workplaces
A common-sense approach should be employed, with heightened importance placed on personal hygiene. Again, the MOH provides guidelines in their advisory. You may wish to increase the hand hygiene signage in your bathrooms, particularly in gyms, stadiums and high-traffic public areas.
As always, if you have any queries, please contact the relevant BBNZ staff member.
