BBNZ | COVID-19 Updates

Kia ora koutou,

I hope this email finds you well.

The guidance we are about to share will be much anticipated. It is the first update on the COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) as it relates to play, active recreation and sport. In conjunction with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) , we have worked through your feedback and input from across the sector to produce guidelines that we hope are clear and workable. As some detail about the CPF is still being finalised, we are releasing a high level ‘at a glance’ view first. This will be followed by detailed sector guidance next week. You can use this information to begin your planning.

We know you will have many questions that emerge in translating these guidelines into your operational contexts. Over the next week, we will be offering a series of opportunities to deep dive into specific examples and scenarios to support implementation. While we firm these up, you can contact your Partnerships Manager for immediate support and also send questions to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz . This inbox is the fastest way to gain support from our policy team.

COVID-19 Protection Framework transition timings

• All of New Zealand will transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) at 11.59pm on 2 December 2021.
• The first day the CPF will be operationalised is 3 December 2021. Auckland and those parts of the country with lower vaccination rates will initially move into the new system at Red, the highest level in the CPF.
• The rest of the country will move to Orange. Cabinet will make decisions about regional settings on 29 November.

Government’s CPF framework can be found here.

Our new COVID-19 Protection Framework Guidance

Sport NZ’s new guidance is available on our website here. Both the existing alert levels and new CPF guidance can be found on our site, noting we do not transition to the new CPF until 3 December.

As we build towards the cutover, we will promote the guidance more widely, including on our social media channels. At a high level, the traffic lights respond to the following community conditions:

• Red is designed to protect at-risk people and the health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations.
• Orange is designed to reduce increasing community transmission that is putting pressure on the public health system and at-risk people.
• Green is designed to minimise the cases of COVID-19 community transmission.

Key principles of the CPF settings for play, recreation and sport

• All outdoor parks, fields and playgrounds can open for use at red, orange and green
• Gyms can open at red, orange and green if vaccine passes are in use
• Sport and recreational facilities can open but will need to consider specific rules for the commercial premises that they run such as cafes. More guidance about this can be found on MBIE’s website
• When participating at council-owned pools and recreation centres, the guidance for Public Facilities applies
• For community sport and recreation played elsewhere, the rules for Gatherings generally apply. The number of people that can meet at the Gathering depends on whether vaccine passes are required and checked or not
• Note that separate guidance is being prepared for events; the definitions for this are being confirmed and will be provided in a separate fact sheet as soon as possible. Sport and recreation organisers will need to decide if they operate as a Gathering or an Event
• A Gathering organiser, venue or facility need to make the choice to ask for proof of vaccination. In the first instance, organisations and venues owners should talk to each other about the plan to safely run the sport or recreational activities under the CPF
• There can be multiple Gatherings at one venue, however each Gathering needs to take place in a defined space with distance maintained between groups. Spectators at an outdoor gathering can be treated as a separate gathering and the same limits apply to them
• There are no requirements for physical distancing while playing / participating; and you do not need to wear a mask when taking part
• You can cross regional boundaries, and move from red to orange for example, if you have a vaccine pass and/or a proof of a negative COVID-19 test.  You should abide by the relevant settings for the area you visit; you no longer take your home settings with you. If you’re sick, you should stay at home.

You can view the detailed ‘At a Glance’ guidance here. More detailed guidance will be published early next week.

One feature of the new guidance is moving away from Alert Level rules and language. For example, bubbles no longer exist and you no longer need to take your Alert Level with you when travelling. View the CPF as a completely new context.

COVID-19 Protection Framework implementation support

Over the next week, we will create a series of opportunities to deep dive into specific examples and scenarios to support implementation of the framework. This includes a webinar series as well as detailed fact sheets on topics such as operating gatherings and events, school sport, field usage and vaccine pass checks. We will monitor questions into the Covid-19 inbox to ensure we pick up on commonly-asked-questions, so feel free to propose topics through this method. More detail on these webinars will come next week.

Getting help and guidance from Sport NZ

As always, please send questions directly to your Partnership Manager if you have one or send your query to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz. Note that anyone in the sector is welcome to sign up to Sector Update here.

Finally

Thank you to everyone who, over the past few weeks, has given their time and provided input into the development of the CPF guidance for our sector. We have aggregated a range of perspectives across operational contexts and advocated as strongly as possible for conditions that enable sport, active recreation and play, balancing all-important health and safety considerations

Keeping our nation moving and encouraging participants to have confidence getting back to sport and recreation is key. With participation levels negatively affected by the pandemic, we continue to advance thinking around how to promote participation, build confidence in health and safety measures and overall, support those who’s activity levels have been impacted.

Thanks again. Whatever help we can provide, please ask.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

Kia ora koutou,

I hope this email finds you well.

It goes without saying that these are interesting and challenging times as we await Government announcements that affect us both personally and professionally. To those living and working in Auckland, it’s been a long time since we were able to connect as people and enjoy ‘normal’ life. With yesterday’s announcement we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel and that’s welcome news.

We hope this Covid-19 Update is useful, covering:

• A recap of yesterday’s announcement
• Sport NZ’s response approach – short to mid term
• My Vaccine Pass and International Travel Passports – see webinar details
• Changes to MIQ stays
• Update about toilets at sports clubs

COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) – decision on November 29
Yesterday it was announced that Cabinet will confirm on November 29 its decision to move Auckland to the new traffic light framework along with additional detail/guidance on how the CPF will apply. Auckland will move into red, the highest level. The rest of the country will move to the new framework at the same time.

We also heard that the Auckland border will reopen from December 15. People travelling out of Auckland will  have to be either fully vaccinated or have a negative test within 72 hours of departure. This requirement will be in place for the core summer period of December 15, 2021, to January 17, 2022. More information on changes to the Auckland boundary from December 15 can be found here.

Sport NZ’s COVID-19 Response
Over the past few weeks, we have observed and felt the growing weight of our current COVID-19 situation, noting that the Delta variant has changed the game for a while to come. Having surveyed the sector to understand current needs, Sport NZ is changing its approach across the next period so that the sector can focus on the immediate requirements of communities. This means reducing compliance and taking a  pragmatic approach to investment requirements.

The urgent focus is on creating as seamless a transition as possible to the new CPF. We hope to have the new CPF sector guidance published in the week commencing November 22. Guidance will specifically cover how sport and recreation can operate at the three traffic light settings, along with FAQs. This will then allow you to interpret the guidance for your particular context. We will ensure we are clear around the areas you need to take responsibility for at an organisational level.

Please be assured we are advocating to ensure the best possible outcomes for play, active recreation and sport. In inputting into the new guidance, we have analysed all the queries received via our COVID-19 response inbox. There will also be a bespoke consultation event this week with a representative group of partners.

My Vaccine Pass and International Travel Vaccination Certificates now available
My Vaccine Pass is an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Businesses, events, organisations, community, and a range of sectors may legally choose to implement a vaccination entry requirement for customers and communities. Businesses do not need to take any action with My Vaccine Pass until the COVID-19 Protection Framework is in place. Once final decisions are made, guidance will be published on business.govt.nz about business requirements under the new framework, including verifying passes. These key messages may prove useful to your organisation.

You will all have outstanding questions, particularly around operating at different levels in the framework. As such, the DPMC, MoH and MBIE are hosting a Webinar on Friday 19th Nov at 12pm to give an overview and update on the Vaccine Pass and verification programme, and matters related to vaccination and employment relations under the COVID-19 Protection Framework. If you’re a business manager or leader, or in an employment relations, corporate affairs or health and safety related role, this webinar is for you.
Business information webinar
Friday 19 November 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Click here to join
Password: 514744

Thank you also to Aktive in Auckland who have also developed a vaccination toolkit full of sector specific resources that can be tailored for organisational use. You can find them here.

Changes to MIQ stays
People arriving to New Zealand from overseas will now need to isolate in an MIQ facility for seven days, followed by a three-day self-isolation at their place of residence. Testing requirements for new arrivals are also changing; people in MIQ will need tests on days zero, three, and six, as well as a PCR test on their second day in self-isolation. They will only be able to leave self-isolation once they have received a negative test result.

The new policy came into force on 14 November and will apply to any traveller not arriving through a quarantine-free travel pathway. A second stage of the plan will see New Zealand moving towards having more vaccinated people able to self-isolate at home instead of in MIQ. There are now regular weekly releases on the MIAS website for New Zealanders looking to travel Dec – February 2022 – Managed Isolation and Quarantine (miq.govt.nz)

Update on opening of toilets at sports clubs
In last week’s sector update, we acknowledged current difficulties for sports who are permitted to open at Alert Level 3.2 but must keep their indoor facilities closed to the public. Unfortunately we were unable to get the Alert Level Order amended to allow toilets to open at sports clubs at this stage. We are continuing to work closely with the DPMC so that this issue does not occur when the country moves to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Getting help and guidance from Sport NZ
As always, please send questions directly to your Partnership Manager if you have one or send your query to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz. Note that anyone in the sector is welcome to sign up to Sector Update here.

Ngā mihi,

Raelene Castle

Kia ora koutou,

Thank you for your patience as we have worked through the most recent change in alert levels. In this Sector Update please note:

• Amends to permitted sports under Alert Level 3, Step 2 and clarification about toilets at private facilities
• New vaccination guidance – see our comprehensive guide covering:
  • Developing a vaccination policy for staff in your own organisation
  • Requirements for visitors to your facility and/or participants in your events
  • What we know about the Covid-19 Protection Framework
• Information about the Events Transition Support Payment Scheme

Alert Level 3, Step 2
Today finds us in a new setting with Tāmaki Makaurau (and parts of the Waikato) at Alert Level 3 Step 2 allowing for retail and public facilities such as museums and libraries to open. Outdoor gatherings expand to 25 noting the need to remain vigilant about social distancing, contact tracing and hygiene.

With this a caveat that for sport, recreation and play, the following limitations still apply:

• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities cannot open, this also means that indoor and outdoor swimming pools remain closed
• Most contact-based team sports, such as basketball or volleyball, should not go ahead
• Playgroups and playcentres cannot operate

New guidance for sports permitted under Step 2
We are pleased to announce that the guidance for equipment sharing for certain sports and recreation activities under Alert Level 3 Step 2 has been amended. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that non-contact outdoor sports will now be allowed to share equipment, as the risk of transmission of Covid-19 with shared equipment is low.
Our new guidance strongly recommends that:

• Participants should maintain physical distancing while engaging in these activities
• There is a maximum of 25 people per gathering, including the instructor/coaches
• The shared equipment should be sanitised before and after the activity occurs
• Participants who feel unwell or are symptomatic should stay at home.

Example of activities that would be permitted include cricket, tennis, frisbee and any ball skills training which did not involve contact. Outdoor contact sports and recreation activities that are not able to follow physical distancing guidelines are not covered by this change. See the updated guidance here.

We are also aware of the current difficulties in Alert Level 3 Step 2 for sports who are currently permitted to open but must ensure that their indoor facilities remain closed to the public. We are working closely with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to solve this issue and expect to have a resolution early next week.

Guide to vaccination for the sport and recreation sector
We appreciate that there is a lot of uncertainty about vaccinations and what organisations can and cannot require at the moment. Our new guidance sets out the current position on vaccinations noting there will likely be changes as we transition into the Covid-19 Protection Framework. The details of the traffic light system are still being designed; we will issue further guidance as soon as we can about the implications this new system will have for sport and recreation (such as how the system will work for community sport events).

Government support for large-scale ticketed summer events
Yesterday the Government announced a new scheme to provide assurance to organisers of large-scale summer events so they have the confidence to plan and deliver these events. The Events Transition Support Payment scheme will provide support for large-scale events with over 5,000 attendees by covering 90% of unrecoverable sunk costs if the event has to be postponed or cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The scheme is broadly targeted at a wide range of large-scale summer events and sports events will be eligible for the scheme if they meet the criteria. Examples of sports events that may qualify for the scheme include mass participation events (such as Wellington Round the Bays) and sports events with large crowds (e.g. domestic and international cricket matches etc). The key criteria are that:

• the event must have over 5,000 confirmed attendees who have paid for tickets or for their registration fee
• the event must be scheduled to take place between 17 December 2021 and 3 April 2022 and have been announced before 9 November 2021
• the event must require the use of COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

Read more about the announcement of the scheme here. More information about the specific criteria for the scheme, how to apply and a contact email address if you have any questions about the scheme can be found here.

Getting help and guidance from Sport NZ
As always, please send questions directly to your Partnership Manager if you have one or send your query to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz. Note that anyone in the sector is welcome to sign up to Sector Update here.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

Kia ora koutou,

With the Waikato now in Alert Level 3, Stage 2 and Auckland pending, we have updated our formal guidance to support operational transition. You can find the new Level 3, Step 2 table here. Important changes and clarifications are as follows:
• Gathering numbers have increased to 25 (removing the two household limit).
• This means outdoor exercise classes can take place to a maximum of 25 people as long as you stay 2m apart and wear face coverings when not participating.
• Professional coaching can occur for sports where this can be conducted under Step 2 rules. For example, tennis, golf and horse-riding can begin on a small group basis with physical distancing required.
• You cannot play contact sports or sports that involve sharing equipment.
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities such as swimming pools and sports halls cannot open at Step 2.
• Water based activities involving sailing boats, motor boats and other craft like jetskis are permitted but participation is still limited to people from the same household.
• You can travel within your region to get to a destination for sport and recreation (for example, going to a particular park or trail) however check in advance whether the place you’re going to is open – not all areas will be.
• Any activities that may expose the participant to danger or may require search and rescue services are not permitted. Regardless of your personal competency or experience, if an incident was to occur, and this would typically require search and rescue, then that activity is not permitted.
• Inter-regional travel continues to be highly limited to essential workers with limited exemptions for others.
We understand it can be challenging to interpret the guidance to fit your individual situation. If you find a particular question is not answered or need clarity on anything, please get in touch. Our Policy Team are happy to provide advice or in cases where a situation is unique, we can escalate a query to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).

Note that it is important for us all to abide by the current alert level guidance and alert level system. Legislation around the new Covid-19 Protection Framework is still in development and due to be announced later in November.

Given the fast moving nature of the current environment, we encourage timely sharing of these communications to your club networks, affiliates and branches, alongside any specific messaging and advice you may be developing for your sport or activity. Note that anyone in the sector is welcome to sign up to Sector Update here.

As always, please send questions directly to your Partnership Manager if you have one or send your query to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

Kia ora koutou,

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the long weekend with their friends and whanau. It has been an unsettled month for most around the country with continued restrictions, Covid-19 cases cropping up in the South Island and the introduction of a new COVID-19 protection framework.

Clearly this is a frustrating situation for us all. Sport NZ’s Senior Leadership Team met today to discuss the feedback we are getting from all parts of the sector and recognise the significant challenges that come with managing business-as-usual operations alongside the pressures and uncertainty brought to bear by ongoing alert level restrictions. We often find ourselves unable to give the clarity we would like and appreciate how immensely difficult it is to plan for the future right now. It is a priority for us to ease pressure where we can for our partner network.

We are currently working with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) to understand the implications of the new traffic light system. This is difficult, as you can imagine, given the number of sectors affected, of which we are just one. To improve our ability to advocate and add sector context to decision making, we have seconded one of our policy team into the DPMC. This will hopefully build tighter connections across our respective teams.

Please be assured we will communicate new information as soon as we can. Below you will find an update on vaccination for workers and vaccination certificates. We cannot provide any specific sector-facing information on the traffic light system at this time but will work swiftly to build clarity. Below is a summary of what we know.

Today we have also heard that there will be a change to MIQ conditions including a re-opening of the border to low-risk travellers and a move to home isolation once the traffic light system is in place, the first step of which will be a reduction in stay from 14 to 7 days. This is great news for the thousands of kiwis wanting to get home. The most up to date info can be found here. We will be in touch directly for those with MIQ Group allocations affected, once we know more.

A reminder the Government announced a $5.3 million package to assist sport and  recreation organisations primarily in the Auckland region who have been financially impacted by lockdowns resulting from the Delta outbreak. These funds are being managed by Aktive, Recreation Aotearoa and Variety – the Children’s Charity, with full details available on their respective websites.

He waka eke noa,
Raelene  Castle

About the new COVID Protection Framework
The new COVID Protection Framework (CPF) will kick in when we reach the 90% vaccination target; the current Alert Level system will be replaced by the new framework.

The framework has three levels:

• Green is when there is some COVID-19 in the community
• Orange will be used to control spread at low levels when it is present in the community
• Red will be used to actively bring case numbers down if needed.

Different parts of the country may be at different levels. Across all levels, there may be targeted local lockdowns to help stop very localised spread. In many cases, people will need to provide vaccination certificates to enter businesses or attend events, or even to travel between regions. At all levels of the new framework, businesses, retail, public facilities and schools will generally be able to remain open for vaccinated people.

The three steps of Alert Level 3 will remain in place until Auckland reaches 90 per cent vaccination and the traffic light system takes over. Aucklanders will find out next Monday, November 1, whether the region will move from step 1 to step 2. While step 2 still sits in level 3, it could mean more freedom.

Government needs to pass urgent legislation in the coming weeks to support the new COVID-19 Protection Framework system and there is still ongoing policy work to confirm the details of this system. Government is aiming to have this legislation passed and more detailed sector-specific guidance available about how the system will work by the end of November.

We know you will have many questions about the new system and we will be working as closely as we can with other agencies to understand the detail of the new system as it is developed and confirmed. We will provide more information about the new system and the implications it will have for the sport and recreation sector as soon as we can.

Boost for Business Support Package 
Government will boost payments to businesses affected by higher alert levels as the country transitions to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Ministers have agreed to significantly boost the Resurgence Support Payment (RSP). After the next scheduled payment on 29 October, Government will move to fortnightly payments at double the current rate. The enhanced support will first be paid on 12 November and fortnightly thereafter until Auckland is able to move into the new framework. Because businesses will be able to operate at all levels of the framework, the wage subsidy and the RSP will be reworked to a new targeted payment at the RED level of the new framework.

Final details of the support to be provided under the new framework will be agreed in November.

The COVID-19 Protection Framework and COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates 
The Government has made a series of recent announcements about the new COVID-19 Protection Framework and the role that COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates (CVCs) will play in this. The best source of information about these announcements is the official COVID-19 website.

A key part of the new framework is the ability for businesses to operate and events to go ahead – even when COVID-19 is still present in the community – if the events require the use of CVCs. Under the new framework there are no limits on the number of attendees at green and orange levels events if CVCs are used (limits will apply for events held at green and orange levels if they include unvaccinated attendees).

Also announced was a new law that will include a simplified risk assessment process for employers to follow when deciding whether they can require vaccination for different types of work. Until the new law is passed, organisations can use the existing health and safety risk assessment process to decide whether they can require vaccination for different types of work.

We are working to understand how far the education and health mandatory workforce requirements will extend in terms of roles within the sector, as well as developing guidance about the steps that sport and recreation organisations may wish to take to develop their own vaccination policies. We will share this guidance once available.

We recommend that you continue to refer to the updated guidance on the Worksafe website about health and safety assessments regarding vaccines. We will continue to update our FAQs on the Sport NZ website to provide more information.

Futures – COVID-19 and mental health
Experts have expressed concern about the effects of COVID-19 on mental health. Quarantine measures, worrying about the future and economic uncertainty can all add to fear, stress and anxiety. In the face of ever-changing circumstances and a prolonged impact from the virus, people increasingly need mental coping methods. Read more here.

New Active NZ report – Spotlight on Tamariki 
Sport NZ has just released the Spotlight on Tamariki report, which complements the June 2021 Spotlight on Rangatahi. The findings show the diversity within tamariki by age and gender in how much participation happens, how tamariki participate, their experiences and barriers. The results are primarily based on data collected through the Active NZ survey between 2017 and 2019 from 10,678 tamariki between ages 5 and 11. Tamariki were involved in 62 percent of responses.  Reading the Spotlight on Tamariki alongside the Spotlight on Rangatahi will give you a complete picture of tamariki and rangatahi’s participation. Read the full report here.

Have your say on a National Physical Activity and Play Plan for Aotearoa 
Building on sector engagement last year to develop a shared vision for the future of physical activity in New Zealand, Government agencies have worked together to identify an initial 13 action areas to start bringing the ‘preferred future’ for physical activity in New Zealand to life.

This is your chance to have your say on the areas that can have the biggest impact on increasing rates of participation in physical activity and play, particularly for those who are currently missing out. We want to hear from a wide range of people, so welcome and value your views. Feel free to forward this message on to those in your networks. The independent survey has been developed by Kantar Public (formerly Colmar Brunton) and your responses will remain anonymous.

Please click here to complete the survey. The closing date is Tuesday 16 November 2021.

Community spotlight: StarJam a game-changer for disabled young people 
Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding opens up world of opportunities for young people with disabilities, with a new programme recently introduced to the Hawke’s Bay, which is changing the lives of a group of disabled young people and their families.

StarJam kicked off its first programme in the area earlier this year after discussions between Sports Hawke’s Bay and the disabled community identified a need for more regular and diverse opportunities. With the help of Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding, the new offering is proving so successful with tutors, parents and young people alike, that Hawke’s Bay has become one of the fastest growing StarJam regions in the country. Read about the impact of the programme on eleven-year-old Fynn.

Coaching Athletes with Autism 
Special Olympics NZ has developed an online learning module about coaching athletes with autism. The module is free and available for anyone who may benefit from some basic information on supporting participants with autism. It provides an introduction to autism and offers research-based support and advice for coaches who work alongside athletes with autism. The module can be accessed via the  Special Olympics NZ website.

Women + Girls strategy anniversary milestone
This October we celebrated three years of our strategy to address under-representation of women and girls. If you missed it, check out the progress we’ve made against each of our 24 commitments here.

We also released new findings from the Sport NZ and Isentia study of gender balance in New Zealand sports media which shows in the first six months of 2021 (to 30 June) positive change is underway. View the infographic here . There will be an additional release from this study in the coming weeks, comparing coverage of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

WISPA launches global IWG Insight Hub
Recently launched during the Sport NZ Women + Girls Summit, WISPA has unveiled a new tool dedicated to advancing gender equity and equality in sport and physical activity worldwide. It is a collection of global research, case studies, toolkits and news contributed by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport network and its Insight Partners.

With the ambition to see over 100 pieces go online by Christmas, Sport NZ is already on-board, and is keen to see the exceptional work of the play, active recreation and sport sector in Aotearoa well represented. Sign up to share your stories now.

Mentoring Opportunity for Chairs
Community Governance NZ and the Institute of Directors have teamed up to offer a unique mentoring opportunity for Chairs of small community organisations (including play, active recreation and sport). Applications close 18 November. View more details here.

59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards nominations and ticket sales open
The Halberg Foundation has announced the 59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards will take place on Wednesday 23 February 2022 at Spark Arena in Auckland. Nominations can now be submitted for achievements in 2020 and 2021 and will close on 1 December 2021. Tickets are now available for the event with a special discounted sector rate. For nominations and ticket information please contact awards@halberg.co.nz.

National Action Plan against Racism
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has begun public engagement on the best action to take to eliminate racism in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a strategic priority for the Commission – the nation’s independent human rights body. The HRC want your ideas to ensure this work reflects the vision, values and lived experiences of impacted communities, families, whānau, hapū, and iwi across the country. Your contributions will be treated anonymously and will be summarised in the Commission’s engagement report. Have your say here.

Need support?
We know that the disruption caused by COVID-19 uncertainty has affected people across the sector. If you or someone you care about needs some extra support, it is important to know where to go to access the right help to work through the challenges being experienced. Here are a range of free resources and services that can help.

With the government’s announcement that Level 3 restrictions will remain in Auckland for at least a further two weeks, the Sal’s NBL has made the decision to cancel the 2021 women’s season.

The opening week of games at Pulman Arena in south Auckland was completed just days before the beginning of Auckland’s restrictions in mid-August, however no further games have been played since.

With six teams from across New Zealand participating, the League held hope of returning to competition before the end of year but can only do so safely if restrictions are at level 2 or below.

Government’s announcement to keep Auckland in level 3 means teams will not have enough time to prepare for the season to recommence, and for the competition to be fully completed prior to Christmas.

General Manager of the Sal’s NBL Justin Nelson said the NBL team remained hopeful the competition would restart for as long as they could.

“It’s unfortunate to be in this position, and further highlights why we need adhere to the rules and get vaccination rates up in the hope of no interruptions in 2022.

“I especially feel for the players and the fans and am sorry to them that we can’t continue.

“To have trained and prepared so hard, then played the opening round, to now sitting idle and hoping so much for a positive outcome. It’s frustrating.

“Unfortunately, the wave of emotions and anticipation hasn’t ended as we would have liked. We’ll now look to next year with renewed positivity.”

The remaining events on the NBL calendar in 2021, the Schick 3X3 Cup and the Schick 3X3 Christmas Classic, are currently slated to go ahead in early December.

The 3×3.EXE Premier NZ 2021 Playoffs have been postponed due to COVID-19 and the alert level restrictions in Auckland.

The Playoffs, which were planned for 13 November, are reliant on Auckland being at level 2 in the current alert level system says 3×3.EXE League Manager David Huxford.

“It’s obviously disappointing that we’ve postponed this event for the second time, but obviously player welfare comes first, alongside meeting our obligations under the alert levels. We are still hopeful as we can still run the finals right through to February 2022.  We will advise the new date once it’s safe to hold this event.”

The 3×3.EXE Premier is a Japanese-run 3X3 league played in four countries. New Zealand has two conferences of six teams each, which was being played between May to August 2021. The playoffs will be made up of the top two teams from the South Island Conference (held in Christchurch) and the top two teams from the Auckland Conference:

• EXE (South Island Conference)
• US Maroon.EXE (South Island Conference)
• EXE (North Island Conference)
• EXE (North Island Conference)

The following is an update from Sport New Zealand. 

Yesterday we sought clarification from Sport NZ regarding ‘defined spaces’, so we can ensure our guidance is still up to date. The answer we received means our Level 2 Return to Play Guidance for Basketball (from 21 Sept) still applies.

Kia ora koutou,

Firstly I wanted to thank you for your support over the weekend in achieving a record number of Covid-19 vaccinations as part of Super Saturday. As you will know, 130,002 doses were administered with a total of 85% of New Zealand’s eligible population now having had at least 1 vaccination. We saw some fantastic support coming through from the sector on social media and other channels – so thank you for getting behind the day of action.

Back to the business of COVID-19 alert levels and guidance; yesterday it was announced that:
• Northland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm this evening
• Waikato will stay at a strict Alert Level 3, to be reviewed on Friday
• Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3, Stage 1 with current restrictions for another 2 weeks (at least) with more information to be released Friday including vaccination targets
• All other NZ areas stay at Alert Level 2
A reminder about Alert Level 3, Stage 1
• At Step 1 you can do an expanded range of outdoor recreation activities such as going to the beach or playground, rock climbing, water-based activities involving sailing boats, motorised boats or other craft like jet skis, and fishing from a motorised boat or vessel
• To maintain public safety, Government is recommending that recreation activities are restricted to one household – this includes activities such as golf, bowls, tennis and croquet
• Outdoor exercise classes can take place limited to a maximum of 10 people as long as physical distancing (2m) is maintained by all participants. Multiple classes can take place in an outdoor space as long as they are at least 2m apart and groups do not intermingle.
• Professional coaching can take place where this can be conducted within the Step 1 rules. For example, tennis, golf or horse riding coaching provided it is on an individual or small group basis, equipment is not shared and physical distancing (2m) is maintained.
Recapping Gathering Limits at Level 2

Last Friday we notified a further change to previously-communicated gathering limits for community sport. We appreciate this represented a reversal of information previously provided and apologise if this caused angst over the weekend. As always, we find ourselves in a state of flux sometimes in interpreting each individual health order and its implications. The key changes were as follows:
• In Level 2, community sport is considered a social gathering and limited to groups of 100 people
• When playing contact sport, no physical distancing is needed as long as groups do not exceed 100
• Multiple groups of 100 can take part in indoor facilities and outdoor locations as long as they are contained to defined spaces. Defined spaces indoors must be divided by walls and not share airflow. Defined spaces outdoors are classified as being at least 2m apart from other defined spaces or having walls or dividers to separate groups.
• The usual public hygiene and contact tracing requirements always apply.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact your Partnership Manager or send COVID-19 related queries to this address: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz

These are troubling times and we share in the pain of all those, particularly in Auckland, where there seems marginal light at the end of the tunnel. I can only say kia kaha and keep promoting vaccination as a way to move our country through the current challenges.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

COVID-19 | SECTOR UPDATE FROM SPORT NZ

Kia ora koutou,

Thank you for your patience while we have worked with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) to answer outstanding questions related to Alert Level 2.
We appreciate it’s been challenging interpreting the guidelines during the past week with sometimes conflicting advice in circulation. A new Alert Level 2 table is now available on our website.

Please note significant changes have been made with respect to gathering limits for community sport. The key changes are noted below:

Gathering Limits at Level 2 – community sport requirements 
Over the last week there have been increasing concerns about the requirement for a 100-person limit for community sport activities as a social gathering vs gatherings at event facilities, which can now host events with no limits on persons provided there is 1-metre distancing in place.

We have now clarified that the intent of the health order at Alert Level 2 is to limit community sport to social gatherings of 100 people, with no physical distancing in place allowing contact sport to be played.  Shifting these community sport requirements to align them with permissions at event facilities would lead to increased public health risk.

As a result, our guidance has been amended to reflect that the activity of community sport (including community sport competitions and events) – regardless of venue, indoor or outdoor – should be considered a social gathering and as such, the 100 number cap applies, with no social distancing for participants while playing or competing. We appreciate that this is more restrictive than originally interpreted, but this is in line with the Health Order and designed to reduce the associated public health risk.

Please also note that a number of queries have been received regarding the serving of food and beverage at sporting events. Just a reminder that hospitality settings apply so customers need to be seated at a table, not just seated.

Super Saturday Vaccination Drive 
All this gives us added incentive to support Super Saturday tomorrow – which is a national day of action to get kiwis vaccinated against Covid-19. Details here. I encourage everyone in the sector to share key messages about vaccination in any way you can across your channels, and to support Saturday’s drive. Lifting vaccination levels has a direct impact on how soon we can get back to Level 1 freedoms, so let’s use our collective channels and reach to encourage the unvaccinated to step up.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact your Partnership Manager or send COVID-19 related queries to this address: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

The following is an update from Sport NZ.

Kia ora koutou,

We hope you’re all doing well in your regions. Please find a short update following this afternoon’s Alert Level announcement. With the situation changing regularly, we appreciate the information and frequency of these updates is likely to remain quite fluid and we’ll continue to adapt and update any advice as quickly as we can. Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.

In this COVID-19 Sector Update:

• General Alert Level Updates
• Mandatory vaccination
• Alert Level Guidance updates

General Alert Level updates
There is no change in the Alert Levels across the whole country, including Northland, Auckland and the Waikato regions. Both Northland and Waikato will remain at Alert Level 3 until Thursday 14 October and Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3 – Stage 1 for another week.

Mandatory vaccinations 
Today’s announcement outlined mandatory vaccination for the healthcare and education workforce which will have implications for our sector. We’re in the process of liaising with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) to understand exactly what this looks like and will work with those of you in the sector where this may have an impact. We’ll provide an update as soon as we have more information.

Updates to Alert Level 2 guidance 
We are in the process of clarifying some elements of the Alert Level 2 guidance and will issue this as soon as it has been confirmed and updated on the Sport NZ website.

You can access the different Alert Level guidance on our website here.

Contacting Sport NZ 
Please contact your Partnerships Manager for further help or support if you have one, otherwise feel free to send any COVID-19-related queries to this address, and we’ll respond as soon as possible: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Kia kaha,
Raelene Castle

The following is an update from Sport NZ

Kia ora koutou,

We hope you are well, wherever in the country you may be.

Our update today covers the following topics:

• Amended Alert Level 2 guidelines including events and gatherings limits
• Amended Level 3, Stage 1 guidelines for Auckland including rock-climbing (now permitted)
• Vaccination information update for the sector
• Managed Isolation Public Booking System
• MIQ Group Allocations for 2022

General Alert Level Updates

For those in the Waikato, a note that the boundaries have now been extended to cover the Waitomo District, including Te Kuiti, as well as the Waipa and Otorohanga Districts. These areas will be in a strict Alert Level 3, which does not include the easing of restrictions afforded to Auckland.

Current alert level tables carrying detailed guidance are available on our web site. These have now been updated including the following amends:

Changes to gatherings numbers in Alert Level 2

The biggest area of change for sports and recreation activities relates to the relaxation of number limits for events gatherings. Previously there was a maximum of 100 people for indoor or outdoor gatherings.

There are now no restrictions on the number of people that can attend a gathering – which includes local sport and recreation involving contact sport. Players can come into contact with each other and share equipment however spectators attending a local sporting event should stay 2m apart from people they do not know, wear a face covering wherever possible, and follow all other contact tracing and hygiene guidelines.

Spectators attending an event at a stadium or arena should safely stay 1 metre apart.

Updated Alert Level 3, Stage 1 for Auckland

A reminder that people can now meet with other people from up to 10 households at a time for organised group activities e.g. yoga, bootcamps as long as this is outside, and the total number of people is not greater than 10. Physical distancing must be maintained between people from different households at all times. Multiple classes can be held each day as long as they are outside and do not exceed 10 people. That means personal trainers and professional coaches can now carry out in person coaching as long as it is outdoors, involves a maximum of 10 people (including the coach/instructor), and physical distancing is maintained.

While people can now also engage in a wider range of other recreation activities (with a maximum of 10 people) it is recommended that these activities are limited to 1 household only.

Permitted activities in Auckland also now include rock climbing as long as climbers are socially distanced if outside their bubble and keep within their limits to avoid any need for rescue.

Vaccination Update

We have put together an update of recent developments as the Government rolls out free COVID-19 vaccinations. You’re welcome to share all or part of this information in a way that works for your workforce and networks. Topics covered include the upcoming Super Saturday vaccination drive, digital vaccination records and mandatory vaccinations for staff.

We appreciate there is a large stream of information business and workplaces need to get across to keep pace with COVID-19 developments. Referring regularly to this handy checklist can help make sure you’re covering most bases:
Download and tick off the following actions so your workplace can Make Summer Unstoppable

Managed Isolation Public Booking system (MIAS) 

If you are looking to travel internationally or to bring athletes into New Zealand, the primary method for securing places in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), is to book vouchers via the Managed Isolation Allocation System ( miq.govt.nz). Vouchers are being released on a regular basis.  Please review our guidance for more information on how to book via MIAS: Guidelines for international travel .

MIQ Group Allocation for 1 March 2022 to 31 May 2022. 

MIQ spaces have been allocated for groups that meet financial benefit or significance criteria. Demand for these spaces is significantly higher than what is available and come from many sectors (including RSE workers and refugees). Decisions on these group allocations are made by the Border Exception Ministerial Group.

The next allocation is for MIQ places between 1 March and 31 May 2022 with decisions expected by December.  There is no flexibility regarding this timeline – decisions will not be made earlier.  If your group meets the criteria (refer to our website-  MIQ Group Allocations) and will enter New Zealand between 1 March 2022 to 31 May 2022,  please complete our online form by 5pm, Tuesday 12^th October 2021 to request consideration for MIQ Group Allocation, even if you have previously signaled your request for a group allocation.

Once we have considered the information supplied in the online form, and if we believe you meet the threshold for support, we will work with you to develop an Expression of Interest (EOI).  Final EOI will need to be completed by Wednesday 20 October 2021.

EOIs will be submitted and progressed with MBIE MIQ, then considered alongside those submitted from other Government agencies to form a balanced package of recommendations for Border Ministers to consider in early December. As noted earlier, demand for this allocation is much higher than supply so eligibility does not mean that you will be allocated space.

Finally

As you know, Sport NZ does not usually have advance warning of alert level changes and the associated shift in restrictions. We will continue to do our best to provide information as quickly as possible after announcements are made. Thank you for your continued leadership in responding and adapting to the regularly changing environment we live and work in.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact your Partnership Manager or send COVID-19 related queries to this address: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle

SPORT NZ RELEASE

On 6 October 2021 the Government announced a $5.3 million package to assist sport and recreation organisations primarily in the Auckland region who have been financially impacted by lockdowns resulting from the Delta outbreak.

Auckland has experienced an extended period at Alert Levels 4 and 3, and this has had a particularly strong impact on the region’s sport and recreation sector. Sport NZ has monitored the impact of the Delta outbreak on all regions through regional sports trusts and believe focusing support on Auckland is the most appropriate response. We also know from research that the effects of Alert Levels 4 and 3 are more profound than lower levels.

This investment is being provided through the Sport Recovery Package and will go towards three funds.

• The Tāmaki Makaurau Sector Support Fund aimed at supporting clubs and regional bodies in Auckland
• Active Me – Kia Tū, for whānau in the region impacted by financial hardship, and
• Outdoor Education Support Fund, to assist outdoor education providers  (in Auckland and elsewhere) that that are experiencing short term financial hardship due to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown arising from the Delta outbreak.

The package comprises:

• Up to $3 million for Aktive - Auckland Sport and Recreation to support local and regional sport and recreation organisations across the Auckland region
• Up to $1.5 million for Recreation Aotearoa to support outdoor education providers experiencing financial hardship due to the impact of Alert level changes reductions in revenue due to cancellation of school-group activities at Alert Levels 3 and 4
• An additional $800,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity to support tamariki and rangatahi in financial need through the existing Active Me – Kia Tū.

Aktive, Recreation Aotearoa and Variety will manage these funds directly, and full details are available on their websites.

The remaining 2021 Aon U13 Regional events have been cancelled due to Alert Level Restrictions and COVID-19, after the deadline for a decision on this event closed.

Alert level 1 conditions are required to host these events as the U13 Regionals do draw an attendance over the 100-person limit of Alert Level 2. Unfortunately, Basketball New Zealand did not have the required assurance that the nation will be in Alert Level 1 before the tip-off date of 13 October.

Basketball New Zealand has held off on this decision in the hope that the events could be played, but the community feedback we have received is Associations and teams need to be confident that Level 1 conditions would prevail across New Zealand by tip off with advance warning.

Associations and teams are seeking the decision now – two weeks before the event starts – because they need time to book accommodation, flights, cars and potentially commit to non-refundable deposits. And some Associations have told Basketball New Zealand they would like time to consider planning smaller and more localised events within the Alert Level 2 guidelines, should the Regionals be cancelled.

We understand this will be tough news for many young people who were looking forward to these events. Our hope is a return to a full schedule of national basketball events next year, and a great 3X3 season this coming summer where local communities can join together for the love of the game.

UPDATES ON OTHER BASKETBALL NZ EVENTS

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings. CANCELLED.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton. CANCELLED.

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools Invitational | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North. CANCELLED (21 Sept)

Schick 3X3 Cup, ILT Stadium, Invercargill | POSTPONED from 14-16 October to the new date of 2-4 December. Announcement here.

Sal’s NBL | The Sal’s NBL women’s season remains on hold. The League is currently working with all teams on possible options and remains hopeful the competition will restart at Pulman Arena when it is safe to do so.

Four regional High Performance U15 Camps | scheduled for Labour Weekend. These are still scheduled, although we are considering alternative locations for the Auckland camp as a Plan B. The Auckland camp will be held if the region is in Alert Level 2. Basketball New Zealand will likely make a decision on this on Monday 18 October (five days before the camp).

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | Swish Factory, North Auckland. This event has been POSTPONED to 13 November.

BASKETBALL UNDER ALERT LEVEL TWO

With the increased gathering limit announced, the guidelines for operating basketball under Alert Level 2 have been updated and are available here.

All Associations should abide by these guidelines. A reminder that the 100 limit is the total within one competition. This means, for example, different pools or cross-overs are included in that limit throughout the entirety of the event.

Extract from the Guidelines…

9. Competition Considerations to Mass Gathering Limits
   If you are considering running a basketball event under a restriction of a gathering limit, you will need to consider a number of factors:
   1. 100-Person Mass Gathering Limit
      • If running a boys and girls event, personnel cannot mix with each event (e.g. the events may require separate floor controllers, referees, volunteers, controllers etc).
      • Hosts could have boys playing at 9am and girls playing at 10:45am however between transitions of each subgroup, the event host would need to evaluate the venue and clean before the next subgroup enters the building. It may be easier to have the boys and girls events at separate venues, which would also ease pressure on personnel running the event, subgroups mingling and less time pressure.
      • Creating entry and exit protocols and applying physical distancing while moving through the venue.
      • In regard to courts, if using a multicourt venue, where possible, try to space the games across the courts to allow for physical distancing. However, you must ensure that the gathering limit is adhered to.
      • It is recommended that the event is held without spectators to keep mass gathering numbers down.
      • Participants and spectators are included in the mass gathering limit.
      • Keep in mind who is in the venue and ensure staff are aware of your current limit inside the venue to ensure you are keeping to the gathering limit.
      • An example of event/tournament may require the following number of people:
        10 x teams (8 players + 1 management) = 90

All BBNZ COVID-19 Updates can be found here.

The 2021 Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships have been cancelled, following last night’s Government announcement that Alert Levels remain in place.

The Prime Minister said Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday), staying in Alert Level 3 for at least two weeks. The rest of the country will remain in Alert Level 2, with indoor gathering limits increased from 50 to 100. The Government indicated their next decision would be 4 October, which is the original tip-off date for the event.

The Secondary Schools Basketball Nationals draws a large attendance from all over the country, so it can only be held under Alert Level 1 restrictions or better, due to the gathering limits at Alert Level 2 and higher.

Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Iain Potter says the organisers have been hopeful of running the competition, but have run out of time and needed to make a call today.

“Right now, Basketball New Zealand, the community and schools need to be confident that Level 1 conditions would prevail across New Zealand by tip off. We don’t have that assurance.

“We are genuinely disappointed for all those who have been looking forward to the Nationals. The cancellation will be upsetting for many, especially for those senior secondary-school players who have been working so hard to prepare,” says Potter.

Basketball New Zealand says the decision needed to be made today as schools, parents and Associations are seeking the decision now. They need time to book accommodation, flights, cars and potentially commit to non-refundable deposits. And some Associations and schools have told Basketball New Zealand they would like time to consider planning local events, should the national event be cancelled.

School Sport NZ were consulted and agree with the decision to cancel. The event will not be postponed as School Sport NZ will not sanction winter events being played in term four. Term four is prioritised for summer sport and exams. Plus, securing venues at a new time is unlikely.

Mr Potter says those Associations, schools and others who are planning to run small local events, should ensure they plan carefully, and operated within the Government restrictions with robust health and safety requirements.

“If local events can be run safely, within the requirements of the alert levels, then that’s great. Our message to them is to remain vigilant and only operate if you can do so within COVID-19 Alert Level requirements.

“We support the Government’s stance on safety first. We should all be helping to stamp out COVID-19 in New Zealand” says Potter.

UPDATES ON OTHER BASKETBALL NZ EVENTS

• Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October

The Northern Regional U13 Championships have been cancelled due to the ongoing restrictions in Auckland. Basketball New Zealand is still hopeful that these remaining events (Central and Southern) could go ahead. After contacting a majority of affected Associations this morning, the consensus was to withhold making a decision for one more week. Basketball NZ will reassess this event early next week.  A handful of Associations have said they are not in a position to wait an extra week – should these teams withdraw, they will be refunded for the team entry fee.

• • Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED.
  • Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
  • Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton

• Schick 3X3 Cup, 14-16 October. ILT Stadium, Invercargill | The NBL is finalising the process of rescheduling this event with further details to come later this week on NZNBL.basketball.
• Sal’s NBL | The Sal’s NBL women’s season remains on hold with all six teams eagerly hoping for a return in late October or early November. The League is currently working with all teams on possible options and remains hopeful the competition will restart at Pulman Arena when it is safe to do so.
• Four regional High Performance U15 Camps | scheduled for Labour Weekend. These are still scheduled, although we are considering alternative locations for the Auckland camp as a Plan B. The Auckland camp will be held if the region is in Alert Level 2. Basketball New Zealand will likely make a decision on this on Monday 18 October (five days before the camp).
• 3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | Swish Factory, North Auckland. This event has been POSTPONED to 13 November.

BASKETBALL UNDER ALERT LEVEL TWO

With the increased gathering limit announced yesterday, the guidelines for operating basketball under Alert Level 2 have been updated today and are available here.

All BBNZ COVID-19 Updates can be found here.

With the Government increasing the gathering limit to 100 under Alert Level 2, we have updated our Alert Level 2 guideline, available here.

Return to Play Guidelines

The purpose of the latest Return to Play Guidelines is to provide the basketball community with guidance and recommendations to help ensure a safe return to basketball related activities.

We all want to see a return to play however, Associations/basketball providers must ensure they have guidelines and processes in place to ensure the health and safety of their staff, officials, volunteers and participants.

As the COVID-19 situation and advice continues to change quickly, our aim is to keep Associations/basketball providers up to date on any key changes. Government advice is also listed on the COVID-19 and MOH and Sport NZ webpages.

The full set of  updated Guidelines can be found here. (Updated 21 September).

Basketball New Zealand is continuing to monitor the Government announcements and Alert Levels.

Due to the cancellation of Winter Tournament Week and consequently the Premiership qualification events, BBNZ remains hopeful that two ‘invitational’ school basketball events will go ahead, in place of the NZ Secondary Schools ‘A’ and ‘AA’ National Basketball Championships.

As mentioned in earlier updates, large events like these are only viable in an Alert Level 1 or below. In balancing the desire to provide a pinnacle opportunity and the need to provide certainty for schools to plan with confidence, a final decision will be made next week (week beginning 20 September).

The deciding factor is whether we have any indication from the Government that areas outside of Auckland will be in Alert Level 1 by the tip off date of 6 October. If we don’t have some reasonable confidence that this will happen, then it is likely we will be forced to cancel.

Currently we continue to work on these events with the belief they will be held.

As indicated in our previous updates and with the likelihood that Auckland will not be at Level 1 before tip off, we are now planning a downsized ‘AA’ schools invitational event of 16 teams per gender, this due to the absence of schools from Zone 1. The ‘A’ schools event will also be an ‘invitational’ event with 12 teams per gender. Both events would start slightly later, running 6‑9 October at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North. The AA’s has been shortened to four-days and will be held simultaneously with the A’s.

INIVITATIONALS | Due the premiership qualification events being cancelled, we needed to make these events ‘invitationals’. Unfortunately, due to the limited spots available, not all schools will receive an invitation. We recognise the pressures that schools are under at this time – schools who receive an invitation to participate are under no obligation to attend. We have looked to spread invitations across the three zones.

Criteria for invitations included, but were not limited to:

• Schools that entered their respective qualifying tournament
• Local competition placings, local tournaments
• Advice from member Associations
• History from previous BBNZ tournaments
• A geographic spread of schools

It’s worth noting the ‘A’ event will be very similar to the current allocation as Auckland schools do not usually enter this event.

COSTS | We are mindful of costs that schools will incur, so have looked at ways to reduce costs including:

• • Reduced entry fee
  • No opening ceremony so that schools can arrive on the first day
  • Zoom for the technical meeting

School Sport NZ continue to support BBNZ in its timeline for providing decisions and assessing the viability of these events.

We hope these events will be able to proceed and will look to update the community next week. For now, we await the Government announcement expected next Monday.

UPDATE ON OTHER EVENTS

• Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:
  • Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
  • Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
  • Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton

We are still hopeful these will happen, but will be making a decision on these next week after the Government announcement. We are aware that some Associations would like time to consider planning localised regional events, should these events be cancelled.

• Schick 3X3 Cup, 14-16 October. ILT Stadium, Invercargill | Still scheduled. We are waiting on the Government announcement next week.
• Sal’s NBL | teams and the league remain committed to seeing the women’s competition go ahead and are waiting on the Government announcement before reassessing.
• Four regional High Performance U15 Camps scheduled for Labour Weekend. These are still scheduled, although we are considering alternative locations for the Auckland camp as a Plan B. Right now, we are hoping it will continue in Auckland at Level 1.

All our COVID-19 Updates can be found here.

In this update:

• COVID-19 Delta Level 2 Return to Basketball Guidelines – providing the basketball community with guidance and recommendations to help ensure a safe return to basketball related activities.

Return to Play Guidelines

The purpose of the latest Return to Play Guidlines is to provide the basketball community with guidance and recommendations to help ensure a safe return to basketball related activities.

We all want to see a return to play however, Associations/basketball providers must ensure they have
guidelines and processes in place to ensure the health and safety of their staff, officials, volunteers and
participants.

As the COVID-19 situation and advice continues to change quickly, our aim is to keep Associations/basketball
providers up to date on any key changes. Government advice is also listed on the COVID-19 and MOH and
Sport NZ webpages.

The full set of Guidelines can be found here.

All our COVID-19 websites can be found here.

In this update:

• Basketball New Zealand Tournaments and events in October
• Return to play guidelines – what players, coaches and basketball providers should consider before launching back into competition.
• Considerations for providing basketball under Delta Alert Level 2

Tournaments and events

Basketball New Zealand has the following events scheduled for the month of October:

• ‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

• Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:
  • Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
  • Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
  • Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Scenarios | We are holding any final decisions on these events until the Government announces further steps and potential changes to Alert levels. That announcement is expected on 13 September. That said, we are considering potential options…

To run these events, it is clear most of the country must be in Alert Level 1. We cannot run these events in Alert Level 2 or higher due to the limitations on people allowed in venues.

We know that people must carry their Alert Level with them if travelling. If Auckland takes longer to return to Alert Level 1 than other areas of the country, this means it’s unlikely they will be able to attend some or all of the above events, in particular the school event. We do feel for those in the basketball community who are already juggling life in lockdown and this realisation will be a tough blow.

For the rest of the country, it is a reasonable hope to reach Alert Level 1 before the scheduled dates.

Right now, with the likelihood of Auckland schools being unable to attend, we are looking at a down sized Secondary Schools tournament excluding Auckland schools. If the rest of NZ is in Level 1, we will likely host an ‘A’ and ‘AA’ event from Wednesday 6 October to Saturday 9 October. This will include no more the 12 boys’ and 12 girls’ teams for the ‘A’ event, and 16 boys’ and 16 girls’ for the ‘AA’ event. It’s worth noting that there are no ‘A’ teams from Auckland, so that event may be unaffected if we are lucky – it will still be a ‘Nationals’ event.

For the U13 Regionals, the same parameters apply. For the Central and Southern events, we hope they will be held as planned. For the Northern event, we may need to move this to be played outside of Auckland and possibly without Auckland teams.

Deadline | We do need to give advance warning of our decisions, as people have made or need to make bookings or cancellations. Many refunds are dependent on timely notice and teams also need time to plan logistics. We also need to take into account the ‘Return to Play’ guidelines – players cannot just launch back into competitive basketball as this is an injury risk. For these reasons, we have a tentative deadline of the week commencing 20 September (this could change depending on Government announcements). If Delta Alert Level 2 is still in place and with no definitive answer of that Alert Level dropping by the tip-off date, we will be forced to cancel these Secondary Schools and U13 Regional events.

Why don’t we reschedule? School Sport New Zealand will not re-sanction any ‘winter season’ sport events into the summer school sport season (term 4). Their decisions are based on feedback from member school principals and in support of the Sport NZ season transition guidelines and ‘Balance is Better’ philosophy. We have already heard from some schools they would not attend an event in Term 4, especially if it opposed School Sport New Zealand and Sport New Zealand guidance.

What we may consider is a smaller event for the top four Auckland schools (per gender) playing a selection of the top finishers from the AA event held in the holidays – perhaps on Labour Weekend if Alert Level 1 is in place nationally by then. This requires further discussion with schools, as well as acceptable Alert Levels.

Meantime, we await the next Government announcement on 13 September.

Return to Play Guidelines

You might recall Basketball New Zealand’s (BBNZ) Return to Play Guidelines, which were written during lockdown last year and were recognised by experts in the sports medical field through an article in the New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine.

Those guidelines are still highly relevant and coaches, basketball providers and players should take into account the time required to prepare the body before returning to competitive basketball.

Our view is the 50/30/20/10 rule, spanning a four-week training period, will serve as a useful baseline approach to return to training. For example, players would complete a reduced amount of training in week one, which gradually increases over the next four weeks:

• Week one – 50% of the uppermost planned conditioning volume in the first week following return to training.
• Week two – 30% reduction in uppermost planned training volume.
• Week three – 20% reduction in uppermost planned training volume.
• Week four – 10% reduction in uppermost planned training volume.
• Week five – players complete the fully planned training load.

To learn more about the return to play guidelines:

• The New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine article can be viewed here. (Full Policy Statement here).
• The full set of BBNZ Guidelines can be found on the BBNZ website here(PDF).
• Infographics:
  • Return to Training 50|30|20|10 Rule
  • Recovery benefits
  • Recovery Points Checklist

For basketball providers – what does basketball look like under Delta Alert Level 2?

As you know, all of New Zealand except for Auckland moves to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm tonight.

We are working on a document that gives further guidance on what basketball will look like at Alert Level 2.

This needs to include updated guidance from Sport NZ. We received this message from Sport New Zealand this evening…

We are waiting to see the new health order before we can confirm our detailed guidance. We have temporarily removed our Alert Level 2 information online pending this information being available.  In the meantime, the following guidance should be used for planning purposes.

As with previous Alert Level 2 guidance, you can do your usual sport and recreation activities if you can do them safely. This includes club and team sports, as well as indoor sports. Indoor sport and recreation facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, dance studios and health clubs can open, but with extra safety measures around physical distancing and sanitation.

As signaled previously, extra precautions are required to combat the increased transmissibility of the Covid-19 Delta variant. These additional public health measures are as follows:

• • The physical distancing requirement in indoor venues and facilities is now two meters, rather than one meter. Facilities may need to restrict numbers to help with physical distancing.
  • Community sports are limited to groups of 100 outdoors and 50 indoors. These group limits include all players and spectators (but not referees and officials). We will revert shortly with information around whether multiple groups can gather in one location if they are separated.
  • Mask wearing at indoor sports facilities is required apart from when you are exercising or playing sports. You do not need to wear a mask if exercising outdoors.
  • Mandatory record keeping and QR code scanning applies to all indoor sport and recreation facilities such as recreation centres, swimming pools, gyms and sports clubrooms, as well as commercial and ticketed sport and recreation events

Travel across alert level boundaries
There are very strict rules in place to manage travel across areas with different alert levels in place (eg: in and out of Auckland). Travel across an alert level boundary is only possible for essential personal or business reasons which are set out here. Travelling across an alert level boundary for recreational purposes (e.g. to go for a walk or to train or play sport) is not permitted. See this website for more information about travel across alert level boundaries.

All our COVID-19 websites can be found here.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced New Zealand, outside of Auckland, will move to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm Tuesday 7 September. Meanwhile, Delta Alert level 2 looks different and settings have been changed – notably that the indoor gathering limit has been shortened to 50 people. You can read more about these in the Sport New Zealand Sector Update, printed below.

Auckland will stay into level 4 until 11.59pm next Tuesday, 14 September.

Schools will be given 48 hours to reopen from Thursday morning.

We know many of you will be looking for basketball guidance on what level 2 might look like, as well as updates on our events including the U13 Regionals (13 – 16 Oct) and the Secondary Schools National Championships (4 – 9 Oct). Basketball New Zealand will be meeting tomorrow to discuss further options and will update the basketball community in due course.

All our COVID-19 updates can be found here.

SECTOR UPDATE FROM SPORT NEW ZEALAND

Kia ora koutou,

We hope you enjoyed the weekend, whether you were in Alert Level 3 or 4.

As you will know from this afternoon’s Government update, the rest of New Zealand apart from Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 from 11.59pm tomorrow, Tuesday. Auckland will remain in Alert Level 4 for at least another week.

Alert Level 2 may look something like it did in the past, but with some key changes. This includes a tightening of gatherings numbers (indoors vs outdoors) and travel controls. These changes will bring operational challenges for our sector so Sport NZ officials will work swiftly with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to fully understand the rules and test related scenarios.

We have temporarily removed our Alert Level 2 information online until we can clarify the guidelines and will let you know via Sector Update once new details are published. As always if you have any questions, please contact your Partnership Manager if you have one, or send COVID-19 related queries to this address: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

IN THIS SECTOR UPDATE:

• Mandatory record keeping – updated information for the sport and recreation sector
• International travel update – extension of temporary pause on release of MIQ rooms

CHANGES TO MANDATORY RECORD KEEPING AND QR CODE SCANNING

Under Alert Levels 3 and 2, more businesses and locations are required to have processes in place to enable people to scan in using the COVID-19 tracer app, or manually record their visit.

Displaying QR codes for scanning is a legal requirement under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 10) 2021. This means you need to display a QR code and have one alternate form of record-keeping for people who do not use the COVID Tracer App.

Mandatory record keeping will help ensure that any close-contact businesses and locations which are allowed to be open, and which are at higher-risk of transmission of COVID-19 occurring when there are cases in the community, have good systems in place enable people to record their visit. Good record keeping supports faster communication with those who are identified as contacts of a positive case.

This requirement comes into effect at 11.59 pm on 7 September 2021.

How is this different from current settings? 

Currently the only record keeping requirement is for businesses in limited scenarios at Alert Level 3 to have systems and processes to ensure – as far as is reasonably practicable – that a record is kept, and for attendees at social gatherings at all Alert Levels.

What does this mean for the sport and recreation sector?          

For the sport and recreation sector, this will apply to:

• Indoor facilities where sport and recreation occur e.g. recreation centres, swimming pools
• Indoor exercise facilities e.g. gyms, yoga studios

• Sport and recreation clubrooms
• Commercial and ticketed sport and recreation events

In all other places where people gather, it is encouraged but not mandatory to provide record keeping. For example:

• Changing rooms
• Non-commercial or non-ticketed outdoor events involving more than 30 people

If you are in doubt, it is recommended you provide record keeping.

For more information, please refer to our FAQs on new mandatory record keeping and QR code scanning requirements, or visit:
Record keeping and contact tracing | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

Resources for businesses and organisations

There are new resources including posters and three new ‘record keeping box’ templates in different sizes, and new record keeping slips and a sticker for custom boxes.  They can be found here .

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Due to the continuing community outbreak, the Government has decided to extend the temporary pause on the release and re-release of rooms for a short period of time.  Many athletes, teams and officials are hoping to travel for international competition and events are affected by this and we understand you are unable to plan with any certainty.

We know that a new system is going to be piloted in the coming weeks and that there are still several thousand rooms that could be released through to the end of November, with December rooms still to come.   Please note that Sport NZ and HPSNZ have no influence over the public MIAS system, individuals and National Sporting Organisations need to be prepared to book their own vouchers when they become available.

For the latest information please click here Update: Pause on vouchers extended and pilot of ‘virtual lobby’ | Managed isolation and quarantine (miq.govt.nz)

STATEMENT FROM UTSNZ ON THE TERTIARY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

UTSNZ, in partnership with Basketball New Zealand, have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Tertiary National Championships that were scheduled to be held at the AUT North Campus on 17-19 September.

Yesterday’s government announcement confirmed the extension of the level four lockdown in the Auckland region through to at least 14 September. This ruled out any chance that the region would be at alert level one in time for the tournament, let alone leaving enough time for teams to prepare. With universities and students beginning to prepare for semester two exams in October, neither postponement or relocation were viable options.

Both organisations are aware that this will be difficult for the tertiary student basketball communities to hear as it follows the cancellation of the 2020 tournament, but the unfortunate timing of the latest COVID-19 outbreak means we are left with no other options. Thank you to those staff, coaches and volunteers for the time and effort they put into preparing the teams, we all hope for a better outcome in 2022.

BASKEBALL NEW ZEALAND & NBL EVENTS, AUGUST TO OCTOBER

Sal’s NBL (Women) | 12 August – 11 September

Pulman Arena, South Auckland

• Week 2 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here.
• Week 3 POSTPONED – statement on nznnl.basketball here.
• Week 4 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here
• Remaining four weeks POSTPONED

The League remains fully committed to playing the full 2021 season once it is safe to do so, likely October and early November.

Junior Secondary School Premierships | 28 – 31 August:

• Zone 1. Pulman Arena, South Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre (Unison Arena & Sportsdrome), Rotorua Girls High School, John Paul College. Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. TSB Stadium , New Plymouth Boys High School. New Plymouth. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. Saxton Stadium, Nelson. CANCELLED

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | 4 September

Swish Factory, North Auckland. POSTPONED to 13 November

Regionals Cups | 1 – 4 September:

• Northern Cup. 1 – 3 September, Pulman Arena, South Auckland CANCELLED
• Central Cup. 1 – 3 September, Springvale Stadium, Whanganui CANCELLED
• Southern Cup. 2 – 4 September, Selwyn Sports Centre (Rolleston), Canterbury CANCELLED

‘A’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• ‘A’ North Island Premierships. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North CANCELLED
• ‘A’ South Island Premierships. Edgar Centre, Dunedin. CANCELLED

‘AA’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• Zone 1. Eventfinda Stadium and AUT North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre, Unison Arena, Sportsdrome, Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. ASB Sports Centre, Wellington. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill. CANCELLED

Tertiary Championships | 17-19 September

AUT North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED. Statement here. 

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Schick 3X3 Cup | 14 – 16 October

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

This afternoon the Prime Minister announced that all of New Zealand south of the Auckland boundary will move to level 3 at 11.59pm on Tuesday. Auckland and Northland will remain in level 4, likely for a further two weeks. Cabinet will review this.

The Sal’s NBL will look to move the remaining four weeks of the 2021 season to later in the year, with a possible start between late October and early November. A full statement will be up on the nznbl.basketball website soon. There are no further changes to other scheduled events to report today, but we will discuss likely scenarios early next week and keep the community updated.

All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

BASKEBALL NEW ZEALAND & NBL EVENTS, AUGUST TO OCTOBER

Sal’s NBL (Women) | 12 August – 11 September

Pulman Arena, South Auckland

• Week 2 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here.
• Week 3 POSTPONED – statement on nznnl.basketball here.
• Week 4 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here
• Remaining four weeks POSTPONED

The League remains fully committed to playing the full 2021 season once it is safe to do so, likely October and early November.

Junior Secondary School Premierships | 28 – 31 August:

• Zone 1. Pulman Arena, South Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre (Unison Arena & Sportsdrome), Rotorua Girls High School, John Paul College. Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. TSB Stadium , New Plymouth Boys High School. New Plymouth. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. Saxton Stadium, Nelson. CANCELLED

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | 4 September

Swish Factory, North Auckland. POSTPONED to 13 November

Regionals Cups | 1 – 4 September:

• Northern Cup. 1 – 3 September, Pulman Arena, South Auckland CANCELLED
• Central Cup. 1 – 3 September, Springvale Stadium, Whanganui CANCELLED
• Southern Cup. 2 – 4 September, Selwyn Sports Centre (Rolleston), Canterbury CANCELLED

‘A’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• ‘A’ North Island Premierships. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North CANCELLED
• ‘A’ South Island Premierships. Edgar Centre, Dunedin. CANCELLED

‘AA’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• Zone 1. Eventfinda Stadium and AUT North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre, Unison Arena, Sportsdrome, Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. ASB Sports Centre, Wellington. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill. CANCELLED

Tertiary Championships | 17-19 September

AUT North Shore, North Auckland.

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Schick 3X3 Cup | 14 – 16 October

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

The 3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff (originally scheduled for 4 September) has been postponed to Saturday 13 November. It will still be held at the Swish Factory in Auckland.

BASKEBALL NEW ZEALAND & NBL EVENTS, AUGUST TO OCTOBER

Sal’s NBL (Women) | 12 August – 11 September

Pulman Arena, South Auckland

• Week 2 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here.
• Week 3 POSTPONED – statement on nznnl.basketball here.
• Week 4 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here

The League remains fully committed to playing the full 2021 season once it is safe to do so.

Junior Secondary School Premierships | 28 – 31 August:

• Zone 1. Pulman Arena, South Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre (Unison Arena & Sportsdrome), Rotorua Girls High School, John Paul College. Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. TSB Stadium , New Plymouth Boys High School. New Plymouth. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. Saxton Stadium, Nelson. CANCELLED

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff 

Swish Factory, North Auckland. POSTPONED UNTIL 13 NOVEMBER

Regionals Cups | 1 – 4 September:

• Northern Cup. 1 – 3 September, Pulman Arena, South Auckland CANCELLED
• Central Cup. 1 – 3 September, Springvale Stadium, Whanganui CANCELLED
• Southern Cup. 2 – 4 September, Selwyn Sports Centre (Rolleston), Canterbury CANCELLED

‘A’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• ‘A’ North Island Premierships. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North CANCELLED
• ‘A’ South Island Premierships. Edgar Centre, Dunedin. CANCELLED

‘AA’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• Zone 1. Eventfinda Stadium and AUT North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre, Unison Arena, Sportsdrome, Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. ASB Sports Centre, Wellington. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill. CANCELLED

Tertiary Championships | 17-19 September

AUT North Shore, North Auckland.

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Schick 3X3 Cup | 14 – 16 October

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

NBL 3X3 EVENTS

• SCHICK 3X3 CUP. 14 – 16 OCTOBER. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill. NZ V AUSTRALIA MOVED TO CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
• SCHICK 3X3 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC + NZ V AUS. 9 – 11 DECEMBER. SkyCity Theatre, Auckland.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

The following statement has just been released by School Sport new Zealand.

As you’ll be aware by now, School Sport New Zealand was forced to cancel all school events through to 6 September, which included the Basketball New Zealand junior and senior Premierships and the Regional Cups. BBNZ has made contact with all schools and advised that BBNZ will issue refunds to to schools for these events. BBNZ and our 2021 Tournament Hosts are using best endeavours to contact venues and request that bookings can be rolled over into 2022. Therefore, hopefully any accommodation or travel bookings that cannot be reimbursed can possibly be moved to 2022 once we confirm the venues for next year.

Basketball New Zealand is continuing to look forward to the events we still have scheduled, including the Secondary School National Championships planned for 4-9 October in Palmerston North.

SCHOOL SPORT NEW ZEALAND UPDATE

With the cancellation of 85 events during the Winter Tournament Week window, we appreciate and share the disappointment that all schools, families, and students will be feeling. We would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all those who make these such special occasions in the lives of Rangatahi. To have it taken away, for a second successive year, is a cruel blow.

Sport provides us with many lessons, to learn how nothing comes without hard work, to lead and be a part of a team, to be resilient, to win with humility and move on from losses. It is vitally important that we look out for each other at this time, acknowledge our shared loss, and reset our goals.

The Winter Tournament Week window was scheduled to deliver 85 events across every major region in New Zealand with potentially 30,000 students, staff, coaches, and parents involved in the events. Events typically involve multi-night accommodation in communal facilities, inter regional travel, some of which is through airports. 47 of the 85 events stated that they could only operate if at Alert Level 1. At least 80% of the events scheduled for Winter Tournament Week involve gathering sizes of over 100 people, which is the maximum permitted in a confined area at alert level 2. The current uncertainty surrounding moves down and through alert levels, regional variations to alert level protocols and partnered with the threat that the current Delta variant poses, make it is almost impossible to plan with any certainty for the rescheduling of events on the School Sport NZ calendar. Supporting schools reintegrate students back to school, when it is safe to do so, is the primary objective at this time.

In providing certainty for schools and sports, School Sport NZ have determined that the Winter Tournament Week window will not be rescheduled within term 3, and that the events that have been cancelled are extremely unlikely to be rescheduled on the School Sport NZ calendar at a later date. Our priority is supporting local and regional sport restart as safely and as early as possible. Regional Sport Directors and School Sport offices will be working directly with schools, regional sport organisations and local authorities to determine what, when, and where sport opportunities are possible to resume.

We appreciate that schools will now look to event providers for refunds of entry fees. Sports and event providers are working on providing refunds where possible. We ask that schools and families show patience as our partners work through this process, and remember, be kind!

Many sports and events that have had events cancelled are working to reconfirm events on the School Sport NZ event calendar in 2022 in the same locations to help with accommodation bookings for schools to rollover. Again, they are working through this process as quickly as possible and we will share updates from individual sports as quickly as possible.

School Sport NZ will continue to assess events currently scheduled on the calendar of events as appropriate and as Government provide updates to alert level protocols. The health and safety of all New Zealander’s must be the primary consideration as we move through this period of uncertainty.

It is likely that the guidance within alert level protocols will be updated as we move back down and through alert levels, as we have already seen with compulsory mask use and contact tracing. We will endeavour to provide updates as and when these changes happen in respect to sport. The Sport NZ website is the definitive source for this information and we encourage all to regularly check in with this. You can find their information here

Similarly, understanding the education context as it pertains to alert level protocols and the guidance that the Ministry of Education is providing schools is important. The Ministry of Education provide regular updates to the sector, these can be found here

Keep safe and fingers crossed that we will get an opportunity to conclude our winter sport seasons across the country.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment (RSP)

The Government has put in place the Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) – a payment to help support viable and ongoing businesses or organisations due to a COVID-19 alert level increase to level 2 or higher. If your business or organisation is facing a reduction in revenue due to an alert level increase, you may be eligible for the RSP.

Applications for the alert level increase announced on 17 August are now open.

What is the RSP?
Each time the COVID-19 alert level is increased from level 1, the Government may decide to activate the Resurgence Support Payment. It will generally be activated when the period of increased alert level is 7 days or longer, but this is not guaranteed. Once the RSP has been activated it will be available nationally, even if the alert level isn’t increased across the whole country.

How does the RSP apply?
A business or organisation must have experienced at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to the increased COVID-19 alert level.
Once activated any business in New Zealand that has experienced a 30% drop in revenue or capital raising ability over a 7 day period as a result of the alert level increase would be eligible (subject to all other criteria being met).

Further information on the IRD website here.

COVID-19 Wage Subsidy | August 2021

A reminder about the wage subsidy package. More here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/wage-subsidy/index.html.

Key points:
• Application by a registered New Zealand organisation
• For persons legally employed by your organisation
• Show at least a 40% decline over the period between 17 August 2021 and 30 August 2021 inclusive (this is the revenue test period), compared to a typical 14-day consecutive period of revenue in the six weeks immediately before the move to Alert Level 4 on 17 August 2021
• Retain evidence of reduction in revenue
• AND, the main thing is before making an application, you must have taken active steps to mitigate the impact of the move to Alert Level 4 on 17 August 2021 on your business activities. This includes (but is not limited to) engaging with your bank, drawing on your cash reserves as appropriate, or making an insurance claim.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

Due to the current travel restrictions in place between New Zealand and Australia, the 3X3 series between the two nations has been postponed.

Originally planned for 14 – 16 October at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill, the 3X3 Tall Ferns and 3X3 Tall Blacks will now play the Australian series on 9 – 11 December in Auckland. The clash will be held in conjunction with the Schick 3X3 Christmas Classic, where the top five teams from the Schick 3X3 Cup will face off inside the SkyCity Theatre.

The Schick 3X3 Cup will continue as planned with 20 NBL men’s and women’s teams set to battle for New Zealand’s national 3X3 title.

Basketball New Zealand and Basketball Australia are both committed to the series being played and believe the Christmas Classic will be a fantastic stage to introduce Auckland to basketball’s number one party product – fast, furious and physical 3X3.

The men’s 3×3 Tall Blacks team was named on 4 August. The 3X3 Tall Ferns are yet to be named.

NBL 3X3 EVENTS

• SCHICK 3X3 CUP. 14 – 16 OCTOBER

The first event of the season is the Schick Cup at ILT Stadium Southland, which will involve all 20 teams across six sessions of fast, furious and physical action. Tickets here.

• SCHICK 3X3 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC + NZ V AUS. 9 – 11 DECEMBER

The top five teams from the Schick 3X3 Cup will progress to the Schick 3×3 Christmas Classic to play off for $40,000 worth of prize money. In conjunction, the 3X3 Tall Ferns and 3X3 Tall Blacks will play Australia. The events will be held at the SkyCity Theatre. Tickets will be on sale soon.

This afternoon the Prime Minister announced Cabinet has decided all of New Zealand will remain at level 4 for an additional four days, until 11.59pm 27 August; Auckland will remain in Alert Level 4 until 11.59pm 31 August.

With this in mind, the following updates have been added to our calendar of events:

• Week 4 of the Sal’s NBL has been postponed (along with weeks 2 and 3 already announced). The League remains fully committed to playing the full 2021 season once it is safe to do so.
• The 3X3.EXE that was scheduled for 4 September will no longer be played on that day. It is postponed to a date yet to be announced.

Currently the Tertiary National Championships, Secondary Schools National Championships, Aon 13 Regionals and Schick 3X3 Cup are still scheduled.

Basketball New Zealand will be meeting with School Sport New Zealand to discuss a qualification process for the Secondary School Champs, since the Premierships with Cancelled. BBNZ will also remain in touch with UTSNZ at the Tertiaries approach, while monitoring Government announcements.

All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

BASKEBALL NEW ZEALAND & NBL EVENTS, AUGUST TO OCTOBER

Sal’s NBL (Women) | 12 August – 11 September

Pulman Arena, South Auckland

• Week 2 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here.
• Week 3 POSTPONED – statement on nznnl.basketball here.
• Week 4 POSTPONED – statement on nznbl.basketball here

The League remains fully committed to playing the full 2021 season once it is safe to do so.

Junior Secondary School Premierships | 28 – 31 August:

• Zone 1. Pulman Arena, South Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre (Unison Arena & Sportsdrome), Rotorua Girls High School, John Paul College. Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. TSB Stadium , New Plymouth Boys High School. New Plymouth. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. Saxton Stadium, Nelson. CANCELLED

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | 4 September

Swish Factory, North Auckland. POSTPONED UNTIL A DATE YET TO BE ANNOUNCED

Regionals Cups | 1 – 4 September:

• Northern Cup. 1 – 3 September, Pulman Arena, South Auckland CANCELLED
• Central Cup. 1 – 3 September, Springvale Stadium, Whanganui CANCELLED
• Southern Cup. 2 – 4 September, Selwyn Sports Centre (Rolleston), Canterbury CANCELLED

‘A’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• ‘A’ North Island Premierships. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North CANCELLED
• ‘A’ South Island Premierships. Edgar Centre, Dunedin. CANCELLED

‘AA’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• Zone 1. Eventfinda Stadium and AUT North Shore, North Auckland. CANCELLED
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre, Unison Arena, Sportsdrome, Rotorua. CANCELLED
• Zone 3. ASB Sports Centre, Wellington. CANCELLED
• Zone 4. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill. CANCELLED

Tertiary Championships | 17-19 September

AUT North Shore, North Auckland.

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Schick 3X3 Cup | 14 – 16 October

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.
• At Alert Level 4 face coverings now must be worn by all people (employees and customers) at businesses and services that involve customer contact. More on the COVID-19 website here.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• We know we can’t operate basketball events at Alert Levels 3 and 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit is applied. More on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 on the NZ.basketball page here.*
• If you have further questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.*
• More Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

*Subject to change. Due to the Delta variant, it’s possible these restrictions may change.

This afternoon the Prime Minister announced that New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm Tuesday. Cabinet will meet on Monday discuss next steps.

Following Monday’s announcement, Basketball New Zealand will consider how that may affect our upcoming events and communicate further with the basketball community early next week.

In yesterday’s update, it talked about how events may be affected and suggested people should check the refund policies for any accommodation or travel they have booked, in case there is a cut-off date.

The Government has announced a wage subsidy package. More here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/wage-subsidy/index.html.

The Government has also reinforced the importance of not being complacent…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Unite against COVID-19 (@uniteagainstcovid19)

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• We know we cannot play basketball outside of our bubbles or host events at Alert Level 3 or 4. At Alert Level 2, the 100 person limit applies. More guidance on what basketball looks like at Alert Level 2 can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

Basketball New Zealand and the NBL have a number of events scheduled over the next two months, which many may feel concerned about given our quick transition into Alert Level 4 after a community case was identified in Auckland, announced last night.

Currently, we are continuing to prepare for our events while at home in lockdown. We will do this while also following developments and updates from the Government, which will potentially affect the operation of these events.

We are hoping New Zealand can contain the community spread quickly, but we will also need to consider the possibilities of different Alert Levels.

In 2020, we saw the Alert Levels gradually improve as community spread was contained, from Alert Level 4 through to 3, 2 and then 1. Each level carries restrictions around events. This could mean events are impacted within the next two months – last year was particularly difficult with the cancellation of some key events, including the Secondary Schools Nationals.

We know that we cannot operate events in Alert Levels 4 or 3. At Alert Level 2, the 100-person gathering limit comes into play (we have guidance for basketball events at Alert Level 2 here on NZ.basketball. This page on the Sport NZ website also has helpful guidelines for each Alert Level).

We remain in frequent contact with School Sport New Zealand, Sport New Zealand and following Government requirements. We’ll continue to keep you updated.

In the meantime, if you have booked accommodation and travel for any events, or are planning to, we suggest you check refund policies with your providers just in case. These sometimes have a particular date in which you can get a refund, so good to be aware of those time frames.

All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

BASKETBALL NEW ZEALAND & NBL EVENTS, AUGUST TO OCTOBER

Sal’s NBL (Women) | 12 August – 11 September

Pulman Arena, South Auckland. (Week 2 has been postponed– statement on NZNBL.basketball here).

Junior Secondary School Premierships | 28 – 31 August:

• Zone 1. Pulman Arena, South Auckland.
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre (Unison Arena & Sportsdrome), Rotorua Girls High School, John Paul College. Rotorua.
• Zone 3. TSB Stadium , New Plymouth Boys High School. New Plymouth.
• Zone 4. Saxton Stadium, Nelson.

3×3.EXE Premier New Zealand Playoff | 4 September

Swish Factory, North Auckland

Regionals Cups | 1 – 4 September:

• Northern Cup. 1 – 3 September, Pulman Arena, South Auckland
• Central Cup. 1 – 3 September, Springvale Stadium, Whanganui
• Southern Cup. 2 – 4 September, Selwyn Sports Centre (Rolleston), Canterbury

‘A’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• ‘A’ North Island Premierships. Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
• ‘A’ South Island Premierships. Edgar Centre, Dunedin.

‘AA’ Secondary School Premierships | 1 – 4 September:

• Zone 1. Eventfinda Stadium and AUT North Shore, North Auckland.
• Zone 2. Energy Events Centre, Unison Arena, Sportsdrome, Rotorua.
• Zone 3. ASB Sports Centre, Wellington.
• Zone 4. ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

Tertiary Championships | 17-19 September

AUT North Shore, North Auckland.

‘A’ and ‘AA’ Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships | 4-9 October

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

Aon U13 Regional Championships | 13-16 October:

• Northern Regional Championships. Eventfinda Stadium, AUT North Shore, YMCA North Shore, North Auckland.
• Central Regional Championships. Pettigrew Green Arena and Hastings Sports Centre, Napier and Hastings.
• Southern Regional Championships. EA Networks Centre and Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, Ashburton.

Schick 3X3 Cup | 14-16  October

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

MORE INFO:

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that New Zealand will move to move to Alert Level 4 at 11:59pm tonight, 17 August, after a community case was identified in Auckland. The Alert Level will be reviewed after three days for all areas except for Auckland and Coromandel Penninsula which is likely to remain at Level 4 for seven days.

The Sal’s NBL has issued a statement regarding the current event being played in Auckland, here.

Guidance about what you can do in the workplace at COVID-19 alert levels can be obtained from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment here.

A reminder about Alert Level 4

• Only essential services are able to operate.
• All indoor venues and sporting facilities, including clubrooms and gyms, are closed.
• Organised sports and physical activity are not allowed outside of your bubble.
• You can train at home, or outdoor places in your local area. Maintain physical distancing with people outside your bubble.
• Contact activity or sharing equipment/balls with people outside your bubble is prohibited.
• All water-based activities are prohibited because these activities expose participants to danger or may require search and rescue services.

Further reminders:

• The Government is asking everyone to wear a mask and keep a two metre distance whenever you leave your home.
• Practice good hygiene including hand washing.
• If you’re sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 09800 358 5453.
• To remind yourself of what happens at Alert Level 4, go to the COVID-19 website here.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• Detail on the broader range of restrictions in place at Alert Level 4 can be accessed at the Unite Against COVID-19 web site.
• Keeping scanning QR codes if you go out (such as to supermarkets).
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

We will look to update you all after the Government reviews the Alert Level.

The Government has announced this afternoon that Wellington will move to Alert Level 2 at 6pm on Wednesday, 23 June until 11:59pm on Sunday 27 June. The rest of NZ is at Level 1.

For Wellington, basketball events under Alert 2:

We are supportive of events if they are held in line with the intentions of the Government’s Alert Level Guidelines and where strong health and safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are applied.

If operating at Alert Level 2, basketball providers should proceed with caution and remember:

• Hosts should not operate events with gatherings of over 100 people. The Government limit on total gatherings at Alert Level 2 is 100. This requirement is to decrease the chance of spread. In case there is some confusion about how this rule should be applied, Basketball New Zealand is clear in our view, as is School Sport NZ and Sport NZ view that was given to us last September: The 100-person limit applies to the whole event. For example, it is not ok to operate an event over two venues with separate gatherings, then cross teams over later in the event for final rounds thereby creating new sets of 100 to do so. This would be an attempt to ‘work around’ the COVID-19 restrictions, it is risky and unsafe, and not in keeping with the intentions of the Government’s guidelines.
• It may help to read this webpage outlining considerations if operating under the mass gathering restrictions of 100.
• Should Wellington go from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.5 like Auckland did last year, it’s a timely reminder that Government Alert Level requirements say that if anyone is travelling to an event or meeting, they are expected to carry their home Alert Level with them.

Further reminders:

• Ensure you are meeting the contract tracing and hygiene requirements as outlined on the Government’s COVID-19 website.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

Last Friday, the 5 March, the NZ Government announced that as at 6am on Sunday (7 March), Auckland would drop to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 1.  It also advised that a further announcement regarding alert levels will be made on Friday, 12 March with the expectation that Auckland will join the rest of New Zealand on Alert Level 1 from Saturday 13 March.

Given the announcement of decreasing alert levels, we have a level of confidence that all of New Zealand will be in Alert Level 1 by the time the 2021 Rebel Sport 3X3 Basketball Secondary Schools Champs commences on Wednesday, 24 March.  Basketball New Zealand and the Host Association are therefore planning that this event will proceed as scheduled.  The health and safety of all participants, attendees and organisers remains paramount so all guidance and regulations issued by the NZ Government, Ministry of Health and School Sport New Zealand will be followed.

The information below is to assist secondary schools with planning and decision making in the event that any region in New Zealand may change alert levels in the lead-up to or during the event:

• If New Zealand is in Alert Level 2 or higher the event is cancelled.
• If Auckland is in Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand is in Alert Level 1 then the event in Auckland (the Nationals) is cancelled. However two modified regional tournaments for selected teams (excluding Auckland Teams) are on standby in the Waikato area; Te Awamutu to host senior/junior girls and Te Aroha to host senior/junior boys.
• If New Zealand is in Alert Level 1 the event will proceed in Auckland as scheduled.
• Should the alert level change during the event/regional tournaments, these will be immediately cancelled.

As mentioned, the NZ Government is expected to make an announcement on Friday, 12 March.  BBNZ will provide an update on Monday, 15 March pending the announcement through the relevant event pages, as well as @BasketballNZ social media channels and our COVID-19 updates page.

Following Auckland’s recent increase to Alert Level 3, the South Auckland Rebel Sport 3X3 Quest Tour stop that was scheduled for 6 March is now postponed until further notice. For more update on the scheduling of the the 3×3 Quest Tour, you keep an eye on the event’s schedule page here.

Our other Basketball New Zealand events remain scheduled as normal for now. That said, we will continue to monitor Government announcements and update the community of any changes through the relevant event pages, as well as @BasketballNZ social media channels and our COVID-19 updates page.

Due to the spike in the number of high performance events and the costs of sending teams abroad, the Basketball New Zealand Board has made the difficult decision to withdraw the Tall Blacks from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Serbia (already postponed from 2020) and the New Zealand men’s 3X3 team from the 2021 OQT in Austria.

This decision comes after FIBA, understandably, requested Basketball New Zealand’s confirmation of entries for these events.

After consultation with senior players and the Players Association in recent weeks, the Board agreed to prioritise ‘events that qualify into long-term cycles’. With that in mind, the Board confirmed investment for ‘must-play’ competitions including the Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks FIBA Asia Cup cycles, which qualifies for the FIBA World Cup cycles, which is a qualification route to the 2024 Olympics. Basketball New Zealand’s Board has also added the FIBA 3X3 Asia Cups (men and women) as they lead to the 2022 FIBA 3X3 World Cups.

While it’s pleasing these events are now locked in, Basketball NZ says the cutting of this year’s OQTs was necessary, especially when the cost of Managed Isolation and Quarantine beds and vastly more expensive travel costs have almost doubled the forecast expense of sending teams abroad to play in international competitions.

Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive, Iain Potter, says ultimately the Board must make strategic decisions that are balanced with financial acumen.

“The Board spent considerable time weighing up the future of our international teams. They have accepted a level of measured risk, with a deficit forecast for this year that we are backing ourselves to cover through sponsorship and additional funding. But even with the additional commitment, the programme would require another three-quarters of a million dollars to ensure we could participate in all scheduled 2021 events.

“Ultimately the Board agreed to focus on how we will maintain our responsibility to play in international competitions and ensure we can still compete in the future, and to make sure our men’s and women’s programmes are given equal opportunity,” says Potter.

“The players, staff and the Board realise we are not operating like we did pre-COVID. For an international team, everything is more expensive. In these unprecedented times we must consolidate, or we risk something far greater and that’s not seeing any international basketball for the Tall Ferns or Tall Blacks over the next four-year cycle.”

Further information on the junior New Zealand programme will be made available in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that Auckland will return to Alert Level 3 at 6am Sunday, 28 February.

This comes after two new Covid-19 community cases that could not be directly linked to earlier cases.

The Prime Minister said Cabinet would assess the alert levels, but it was likely that Auckland would remain in Alert Level 3 for the full seven days.

Basketball in Auckland at Alert Level 3?

• This Alert Level means organised basketball is suspended, as the Government requires everyone to stay in their household bubble. Further Government requirements under Alert 3 can be found here.
• This Government page offers advice on how to exercise at different Alert Levels. This is also a good time to remind our community about our home hoops workouts that were created during lockdown last year.

Rest of NZ operating under Alert 2:

Basketball New Zealand’s stance remains the same as it did in September 2020 when we issued guidance around basketball and hosting tournaments at Alert 2.

We are supportive of events if they are held in line with the intentions of the Government’s Alert Level Guidelines and where strong health and safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are applied.

If operating at Alert Level 2, basketball providers should proceed with caution and remember:

• Hosts should not operate events with gatherings of over 100 people. The Government limit on total gatherings at Alert Level 2 is 100. This requirement is to decrease the chance of spread. In case there is some confusion about how this rule should be applied, Basketball New Zealand is clear in our view, as is School Sport NZ and Sport NZ view that was given to us last September: The 100-person limit applies to the whole event. For example, it is not ok to operate an event over two venues with separate gatherings, then cross teams over later in the event for final rounds thereby creating new sets of 100 to do so. This would be an attempt to ‘work around’ the COVID-19 restrictions, it is risky and unsafe, and not in keeping with the intentions of the Government’s guidelines.
• It may help to read this webpage outlining considerations if operating under the mass gathering restrictions of 100.
• Should Auckland go from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.5 like it did last year, it’s a timely reminder that Government Alert Level requirements say that if anyone is travelling to an event or meeting, they are expected to carry their home Alert Level with them.

Further reminders:

• Ensure you are meeting the contract tracing and hygiene requirements as outlined on the Government’s COVID-19 website.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

This afternoon the Government announced that the most recent outbreak has been contained. At midnight tonight the current alerts levels will be scaled down, with Auckland going to Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 1.

If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.

The Government Alert Levels can be found here.

For Auckland, basketball events under Alert 2:

We are supportive of events if they are held in line with the intentions of the Government’s Alert Level Guidelines and where strong health and safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are applied.

If operating at Alert Level 2, basketball providers should proceed with caution and remember:

• Hosts should not operate events with gatherings of over 100 people. The Government limit on total gatherings at Alert Level 2 is 100. This requirement is to decrease the chance of spread. In case there is some confusion about how this rule should be applied, Basketball New Zealand is clear in our view, as is School Sport NZ and Sport NZ view that was given to us last September: The 100-person limit applies to the whole event. For example, it is not ok to operate an event over two venues with separate gatherings, then cross teams over later in the event for final rounds thereby creating new sets of 100 to do so. This would be an attempt to ‘work around’ the COVID-19 restrictions, it is risky and unsafe, and not in keeping with the intentions of the Government’s guidelines.
• It may help to read this webpage outlining considerations if operating under the mass gathering restrictions of 100.
• Should Auckland go from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.5 like it did last year, it’s a timely reminder that Government Alert Level requirements say that if anyone is travelling to an event or meeting, they are expected to carry their home Alert Level with them.

Further reminders:

• Ensure you are meeting the contract tracing and hygiene requirements as outlined on the Government’s COVID-19 website.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

This evening at 7pm Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland moves to Alert Level 3, rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 2 as of 11.59pm tonight (Sunday 14 February), after positive COVID-19 cases were found in a household in Auckland.

Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 for a period of three days (until 12 midnight Wednesday 17 February). The rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2 for the same period.

Basketball in Auckland at Alert Level 3?

• This Alert Level means organised basketball is suspended, as the Government requires everyone to stay in their household bubble. Further Government requirements under Alert 3 can be found here.
• This Government page offers advice on how to exercise at different Alert Levels. This is also a good time to remind our community about our home hoops workouts that were created during lockdown last year.

Rest of NZ operating under Alert 2:

Basketball New Zealand’s stance remains the same as it did in September 2020 when we issued guidance around basketball and hosting tournaments at Alert 2.

We are supportive of events if they are held in line with the intentions of the Government’s Alert Level Guidelines and where strong health and safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are applied.

If operating at Alert Level 2, basketball providers should proceed with caution and remember:

• Hosts should not operate events with gatherings of over 100 people. The Government limit on total gatherings at Alert Level 2 is 100. This requirement is to decrease the chance of spread. In case there is some confusion about how this rule should be applied, Basketball New Zealand is clear in our view, as is School Sport NZ and Sport NZ view that was given to us last September: The 100-person limit applies to the whole event. For example, it is not ok to operate an event over two venues with separate gatherings, then cross teams over later in the event for final rounds thereby creating new sets of 100 to do so. This would be an attempt to ‘work around’ the COVID-19 restrictions, it is risky and unsafe, and not in keeping with the intentions of the Government’s guidelines.
• It may help to read this webpage outlining considerations if operating under the mass gathering restrictions of 100.
• Should Auckland go from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.5 like it did last year, it’s a timely reminder that Government Alert Level requirements say that if anyone is travelling to an event or meeting, they are expected to carry their home Alert Level with them.

Further reminders:

• Ensure you are meeting the contract tracing and hygiene requirements as outlined on the Government’s COVID-19 website.
• If you have questions about sports operations at alert levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here.
• Further Sport NZ guidance on how to manage day to day activities and events as part of pandemic planning and operational management can be found here.
• The Government’s COVID-19 website can be found here.
• All our COVID-19 Updates are available here.

Those operating out of Auckland will no doubt be welcoming Government’s decision to drop to Alert Level 1 alongside the rest of Aotearoa at 11.59pm this Wednesday. As a nation we should once again be proud of having contained the virus by working together and being vigilant.

Under Alert Level 1 the disease is largely contained in New Zealand, however COVID-19 is uncontrolled overseas, and there may be isolated household transmission occurring. It would be prudent to note that at any time, we should be prepared to change alert levels once more. The COVID-19 safe operating plans you have been successfully implementing should be kept at hand, to use when needed.

The main controls under Alert Level 1 are border restrictions and managed isolation or quarantine for people entering the country. Sport, active recreation and play under Alert Level 1 looks like much like it did pre-COVID-19, but with border restrictions. There are no restrictions on businesses and services, no restrictions on gatherings, no requirements for physical distancing, although you must display a QR code for contact tracing purposes. More information on alert level 1 can be found here.

Large events such as sports games or tournaments are able to go ahead without gatherings controls. However if outbreaks of COVID-19 occur again in New Zealand, limits on gatherings could be one of the first responses. Organisers should be aware they may be asked to postpone or cancel gatherings under the circumstance that an outbreak has occurred or if case numbers increase.

As we continue to strive to keep Aotearoa New Zealand at Level 1, please remember 10 golden rules:

1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work, school or socialise.
2. If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or healthline, and get advice about getting tested.
3. Self-isolate if you’re told by officials to do so.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Sneeze or cough into your elbow and regularly clean shared surfaces.
6. Stay healthy, work with your GP if you have underlying health issues.
7. Keep track of where you’ve been.
8. If you are a business or service, display a QR code.
9. Stay vigilant.
10. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself.

Sport NZ Partner Update 21 September 2020

As you will have heard, Government has today announced a further de-escalation in alert levels across New Zealand.

For Auckland this means a move to Alert Level 2 with an increase in the gatherings limit from 11.59pm on Wednesday. For the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand, the move to Alert Level 1 starts 11.59pm tonight.

What this means for Auckland:

• Alert Level 2 means the disease is contained but there is risk of community transmission
• Sport and recreation can take place as long as contact tracing and appropriate hygiene measures are in place
• However gatherings, where people come into close contact, are limited to 100, including all players, spectators and officials
• Multiple gatherings can take place in a defined space as long as those gatherings remain separated at all times
• It’s still important to maintain physical distancing when out and about; masks are required on public transport and planes
• You can travel regionally but Aucklanders should take their alert level restrictions with them
• If you are travelling to another region for an event, check with the organisers to see if you can participate in that event safely
• Naturally anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must isolate and get advice about getting tested

What this means for the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand:

• The main controls under Alert Level 1 are border controls and quarantine for those entering the country
• There are no gatherings limits but you should continue to focus on good hygiene measures and display a QR code
• Masks are not mandatory but are encouraged on public transport and planes
• If you are organising any kind of event or tournament, you should keep in mind that alert levels could change at any time, and you may have to modify the format, postpone or cancel the gathering, depending on the situation
• Naturally anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must isolate and get advice about getting tested

Alert Level Tables are available on our website detailing the Government requirements for operating in all alert levels.

The Aon U15 and U17 Nationals are still scheduled with signs looking positive for these two events.

Yesterday the Government indicated that, should the fight against COVID-19 continue positively, all regions outside of Auckland will likely drop to Alert Level One from next Tuesday 22 September. This allows Basketball New Zealand to plan with a higher degree of assurance that the U15 and U17 Nationals will go ahead on Labour Weekend, 24-26 October.

Alert 1 | As mentioned consistently throughout our COVID-19 updates, under the Government COVID-19 Alert level framework, Alert Level One is the only level that will allow for Basketball New Zealand’s large events. Nationals cannot be held at Alert Level 2 due to the 100-person gathering limit (outlined on the COVID-19 website). This stance is supported by Sport New Zealand and School Sport New Zealand. A strong adherence to our duty of care for our community and the wider New Zealand public is important.

Auckland | The possibility that Auckland may remain in Alert Level 2 adds some uncertainty for Auckland based teams (Franklin, Counties, Auckland, Waitakere, Harbour and Hibiscus). The Government requires Aucklanders to carry Alert Levels with them when travelling. If Auckland is still in Alert Level 2 come Labour Weekend, teams in the Auckland region will not be allowed to attend the U15 and U17 Nationals due to this Government requirement. We hope that Auckland will be at Alert Level 1 before Labour Weekend, but it’s important people are aware of the possibility for Auckland restrictions to continue.

U15 Aon Nationals to be hosted in Waikato | We need to consider contingencies should Auckland remain in Level 2. For this reason, the Under 15 Aon Nationals will now be hosted in the Waikato (venues TBA). This is widely supported by Associations, who we consulted with over the weekend.

Waikato is a good option so people can still keep their Auckland flights if necessary and have the option to drive South (approximately a 90 minute drive). The Waikato also has a good supply of accommodation options.

Basketball New Zealand is also considering further contingencies including the possibility of 12-teams per gender events instead of 16-team events should the Auckland teams not be able to attend.

Reminder | This is a timely reminder that everyone should be aware of and adhere to the Alert Level requirements. We all have a responsibility to play our part in helping to contain the virus. Remember:

• Use the Government COVID-19 tracing app
• Stick to the rules of your alert level
• Ensure good hygiene measures
• Make sure you are up to date with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage and the NZ Government COVID-19 webpage.
• If anyone is feeling unwell, they should seek appropriate medical advice if necessary – Healthline – 0800 611 116

We are also aware a number of providers are considering hosting inter-regional school events. If you are at Alert Level 2, ensure you are doing this safely. There are restrictions that should be followed, with more information in our last COVID-19 update here.

Still Scheduled:

• Aon U15 Nationals. Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend), Waikato (Venues TBA).
• Aon U17 Nationals. Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA in Christchurch
• Schick 3×3 Cup, ILT Stadium, Invercargill. Thursday November 12 to Saturday 14 November.
• Sal’s NBL 18 in 18, 19 November – 6 December.

Basketball New Zealand has been in discussions with some Associations and schools that are considering running regional basketball events for schools and age-groups, which can be more contained and potentially held at short notice if the Alert Levels decrease.

We are supportive of these events if they are held in line with the intentions of the Government’s Alert Level Guidelines and where strong health and safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are applied.

If operating at Alert Level 2 (currently in force everywhere except Auckland which is under additional restrictions at Alert Level 2.5), basketball providers should proceed with caution and remember:

• Hosts should not operate events with gatherings of over 100 people. The Government limit on total gatherings at Alert Level 2 is 100 (outside of Auckland). This requirement is to decrease the chance of spread. There is some confusion about how this rule should be applied. Basketball New Zealand is clear in our view, as is School Sport NZ and Sport NZ: The 100-person limit applies to the whole event. For example, it is not ok to operate an event over two venues with separate gatherings, then cross teams over later in the event for final rounds thereby creating new sets of 100 to do so. This would be an attempt to ‘work around’ the COVID-19 restrictions, it is risky and unsafe, and not in keeping with the intentions of the Government’s guidelines.

• The Government Alert Level requirements are clear that if anyone is travelling to an event or meeting, they are expected to carry their home Alert Level with them. For example, Auckland is currently operating under Alert Level 2.5 which has a ten-person gathering limit, so anyone from Auckland should only attend maximum gatherings of ten no matter where the gathering is held. There is the possibility that Auckland may continue at Alert Level 2 while the rest of New Zealand drops to Alert Level 1. This means any teams form Auckland would need to play within the limit that applies to Auckland, even if the event is held outside Auckland.

• Ensure you are meeting the contract tracing and hygiene requirements, as outlined on the Government’s COVID-19 website.

• BBNZ guidelines specific to hosting a basketball tournament: It may help to read this webpage outlining considerations if operating under the mass gathering restrictions of 100.

The 2020 Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships and the Under 13 Regionals have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and the restrictions on gatherings under Alert Level 2. Basketball New Zealand’s major events can only run under Alert Level 1 restrictions or better.

Chief Executive Iain Potter says Basketball New Zealand had been hopeful of running the competitions but, with the nation still operating under Alert Level 2 until at least 16 September, regrettably that time is too close to the tip off dates.

“We are genuinely disappointed and feel for all the young basketball players who have been hanging out for these events. To those senior secondary school players especially, we very much wanted to host the event for you and have been holding off on this decision in the hope that it would be possible.

“The reality is parents and Associations are seeking assurance now. Participants need time to book accommodation and lock in potentially non-refundable deposits. The changing flight schedule also makes it difficult for people to book without certainty of the event being played. Right now, we would need to be confident that, by their tip off dates, Level 1 conditions would prevail across all of New Zealand. We don’t have that assurance.

“Ultimately, we also have a duty of care to ensure it is safe. Unfortunately, COVID-19 still has a presence in New Zealand.”

School Sport New Zealand were consulted and agree with the decision to cancel.

Mr Potter says some Associations have already started to consider running smaller localised events and Basketball New Zealand will be discussing further options with Associations early next week.

“If some localised events can be run safely, within the requirements of the alert levels, then that would be great.

“The clear message from the Prime Minister is that we all need to remain vigilant. Mass gatherings can be the catalyst for a large COVID-19 outbreak and we don’t want that to happen. We support the Government’s stance on safety and trying to stamp out COVID-19 in New Zealand.”

Where some form of competition takes place in local communities, Basketball New Zealand is advising basketball providers to ensure they operate within the intention of the restrictions:

• While social gatherings of up to 100 are allowed outside of Auckland, Aucklanders are encouraged to behave as if carrying their 10-person limit and extra restrictions (as stated on the COVID-19 website).
• Outside of Auckland, tournament hosts must keep the number of participants to be within the 100-person gathering limit. (Currently Auckland gatherings are limited to 10).

Cancelled Basketball New Zealand competitions:

• The Secondary Schools National Championships. (Was scheduled 28 September to 3 October at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North).
• The U13 Regionals. (Was scheduled 7-10 October).
  • U13 Northern Regional Championships at Eventfinda Stadium, YMCA North Shore, AUT North Shore, hosted by Harbour Basketball.
  • U13 Central Regional Championships at Pettigrew Green Arena, Centennial Hall, Hastings Sports Centre, hosted by Basketball Hawke’s Bay.
  • U13 Southern Regional Championships, EA Networks Centre & Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, hosted by Basketball Mid Canterbury

Still Scheduled:

• Aon U15 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Pulman Arena in Auckland. (Decision will be reviewed after the Government address expected 14 September)
• Aon U17 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA in Christchurch. (Decision will be reviewed after the Government address expected 14 September)
• Schick 3×3 Cup, ILT Stadium, Invercargill. Thursday November 12 to Saturday 14 November.

Postponed: Sal’s NBL (women’s league to be announced).

More info:

• If anyone is feeling unwell, they should seek appropriate medical advice if necessary – Healthline – 0800 611 116
• We are asking our community to make sure they are up to date with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage and the NZ Government COVID-19 webpage.

The Secondary Schools National Basketball Championships (29 September – 3 October) and Under 13 Regionals (7 – 10 October) are still scheduled to take place.

Basketball New Zealand will update the basketball community once the Government announces the next Alert Level decision. Currently, Auckland is set to join the rest of New Zealand at Alert Level 2 on Sunday 30 August. This level will be in place nationwide for one week until Sunday 6 September, though Auckland will be limited to gatherings of 10 while the rest of New Zealand has a limit of 100.

The Government will address New Zealand with an update about the Alert Level before 6 September. If the Government decides to extend Alert Level 2 without an indication of a move to Alert Level 1, the Secondary Schools Nationals and Under 13s are likely to be cancelled. We hope to decide no later than 7 September (more likely before then), depending on the timing of the Government’s announcement.

Unfortunately postponing our age-group events this late in the year is not an option. There are no further dates available in 2020 that fit the requirements of the school calendar, which is hosting during school holidays and staying clear of exam times.

The health and safety of our community is the number one priority. It is clear that our national events cannot be played in Alert Level two (or higher) due to the requirement to keep gatherings to less the 100 people per event. Our national age-group events see well over 100 people attend.

The resounding feedback we have received is that people want to play and are hopeful the events will go ahead. We are also aware that this is a very unsettling time for many teams who are considering how they manage travel and accommodation bookings. We recommend you contact your suppliers and discuss the situation with them to better understand their cancellation policy – hopefully they will show a level of understanding and flexibility. Some schools may feel the need to withdraw due to these reasons. If you are considering withdrawing a team, please email Tournaments@nz.basketball.

The Under 15 and Under 17 National Championships are still scheduled for 24-26 October. We have more time before we make a call on these events.

Still scheduled:

The U13 Regionals, 7-10 October

• U13 Northern Regional Championships at Eventfinda Stadium, YMCA North Shore, AUT North Shore, hosted by Harbour Basketball.
• U13 Central Regional Championships at Pettigrew Green Arena, Centennial Hall, Hastings Sports Centre, hosted by Basketball Hawke’s Bay.
• U13 Southern Regional Championships, EA Networks Centre & Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, hosted by Basketball Mid Canterbury

National Events

• The Secondary Schools National Championships. Currently schedule 28 September to 3 October at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.
• Aon U15 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Pulman Arena in Auckland.
• Aon U17 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA in Christchurch.

Postponed:

• Schick 3×3 Cup, ILT Stadium, Invercargill (new date TBA).
• Sal’s NBL (women’s league) and D-League (TBA)

This afternoon at 3pm, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Cabinet’s decision that COVID-19 restrictions will continue at their current level until at least 11.59pm on Sunday night (Auckland at Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand at Alert Level 2).

Then, from 11:59pm on Sunday 30 August, Auckland is expected to join the rest of New Zealand at Alert Level Two, but with additional restrictions on gathering sizes including no more than 10 in Auckland, except for tangihanga and funerals which allow 50 people. Masks also become a requirement on public transport throughout New Zealand. (Full update on the Government COVID-19 website here).

Basketball New Zealand has been in discussions with our stakeholders, including our Associations, in regards to our remaining national events in 2020 (listed below). Further discussions are planned for tomorrow morning. We hope to communicate the basketball community with further updates by tomorrow afternoon.

Remaining BBNZ age-group events in 2020

The U13 regionals, 7-10 October:

• U13 Northern Regional Championships at Eventfinda Stadium, YMCA North Shore, AUT North Shore, hosted by Harbour Basketball.
• U13 Central Regional Championships at Pettigrew Green Arena, Centennial Hall, Hastings Sports Centre, hosted by Basketball Hawke’s Bay.
• U13 Southern Regional Championships, EA Networks Centre & Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, hosted by Basketball Mid Canterbury

National Events:

• The Secondary Schools National Championships. Currently scheduled 28 September to 3 October at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.
• Aon U15 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Pulman Arena in Auckland.
• Aon U17 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA in Christchurch.
• Schick 3×3 Cup, ILT Stadium, Invercargill (currently postponed to a date yet to be announced).

Applications open today for Sport NZ’s new fund – Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa – for community-based programmes and projects targeting those tamariki and rangatahi (young people aged 5 to 18) at most risk of missing out or being less active.

Tū Manawa replaces and improves on Sport NZ’s existing Kiwisport Regional Partnership Fund and now has double the funding available – $68 million over four years, of which half is from the $265 million Sport Recovery Package. Where Kiwisport only focused on organised sport, Tū Manawa will also fund play and active recreation. It also has a distinct assessment process for Kaupapa Māori organisations.

“We really want Tū Manawa to make difference for those missing out, and that means ensuring this funding is supporting programmes and projects operating in local communities, based on the needs of those communities,” says Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.

“In the first year we have placed special emphasis on those whose physical activity levels have been impacted most by COVID-19, which we know from our research are girls and young women, disabled people, those in higher deprivation communities and a slightly higher age bracket of young women aged 19 to 24.”

To ensure it reaches these groups, Sport NZ is partnering with the county’s network of 14 Regional Sports Trusts to manage and distribute Tū Manawa, and has allocated funding to them based on both population and deprivation modelling.

The priority groups and funding modelling will be reviewed before 30 June 2021 to help inform the second year of investment.

Tū Manawa is available for both new and existing programmes and projects, and funding will be provided for up to 12 months.

Applications can be made through the Regional Sports Trusts. A list of these, together with funding criteria and application details, is available at sportnz.org.nz/tū_manawa

With Auckland currently in Alert 3 and the rest of New Zealand in Alert 2, Basketball New Zealand is awaiting the Government’s update before making further decisions about the following basketball events, which remain scheduled for 2020:

• The U13 regionals, 7-10 October:
  • U13 Northern Regional Championships at Eventfinda Stadium, YMCA North Shore, AUT North Shore, hosted by Harbour Basketball.
  • U13 Central Regional Championships at Pettigrew Green Arena, Centennial Hall, Hastings Sports Centre, hosted by Basketball Hawke’s Bay.
  • U13 Southern Regional Championships, EA Networks Centre & Basketball Mid-Canterbury Stadium, hosted by Basketball Mid Canterbury

• National Events:
  • The Secondary Schools National Championships. Currently schedule 28 September to 3 October at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.
  • Aon U15 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Pulman Arena in Auckland.
  • Aon U17 Nationals. Currently scheduled for Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October (Labour Weekend) at Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA in Christchurch.

Decisions | In the coming days, we will be seeking input from many of the General Managers of Associations throughout New Zealand and School Sport New Zealand. We are aware that Associations, Schools, teams, players and parents need time to consider options including flight bookings, accommodation and other aspects.

Alert levels can change our circumstances very quickly, so we are operating within a very fluid environment – please bear with us during this time. We are aiming to make a call on these events no later than one month before tip off from each event. If Alert Levels increase or remain by that deadline, it is likely we will be forced to either postpone or cancel the event.

For the national events, we need an alert level no higher than Alert Level 1 to host within Government requirements. Alert Level 2 means we cannot host a national event with more than 100 people – our national events have well over 100 people attending.

Currently we see the Government placing different regions under different alert levels. It is possible that an event could still be hosted in some areas, while other areas are excluded. While this is not ideal, it is an option we need to consider.

Keep training | It remains our intent to host these events if we can confidently meet the Government’s health and safety requirements. For this reason, we want to emphasise the importance to continue to train within the alert restrictions. Preparing to play is especially important for health and safety reasons, so that players continue preparing as best they can to lessen the risk of injury.

Next steps | Right now the Government has stated a continuation of Alert Level 3 in Auckland until 11.59 Wednesday 26 August. (It is expected that the Government will give an indication of next steps and review the Alert levels on Friday 21 August). We will look to update our community of any developments.

Schick 3×3 Cup 2020 Postponed

The NBL will be postponing the Schick 3×3 Cup to sometime in October or November.

The event was scheduled to tip-off 3 September, but given the current travel restrictions in place, plus a number of flights currently deactivated across the country, there is too much uncertainty to host this in less than three weeks’ time.

A number of alternative dates are available in October and November, which are being considered. The NBL is committed to holding the event during this time. A final decision on dates will be made once there is a clearer understanding of the ability for players to travel.

SPORT NZ Partner Update

As you will have heard, Government has announced:
• a continuation of Alert Level 3 in Auckland until 11.59 Wednesday August 26th
• a continuation of Alert Level 2 in the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand
• this will be reviewed on Friday August 21st

What this means:
• Travel into, out of, and through Auckland is heavily restricted
• You can travel if you are returning to your primary residence
• You can travel through Auckland for the purpose of getting home, if your home is on the other side. You should travel directly through the region and avoid stopping if at all possible
• The restrictions on flying into and out of Auckland are the same as driving in or out

Media release:
We have issued this media release that conveys our key messages to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand with respect to play, active recreation and sport. For those regions in Alert Level 3, the most important reminder is to stay home and stay safe to stop the spread. Keep physically active at home or if exercising outside, ensure this is done within your region and kept low risk.

Contact tracing:
There is new information available on our website related to contact tracing. The Ministry of Health has created a tracing app — NZ COVID Tracer. This app works by scanning a QR code on a poster at participating businesses. The app then keeps track of where someone has scanned so they know where they have been. Under Alert Level 2 and 3 every facility that is open must ensure that a copy of the QR code for the facility is displayed in a prominent place at or near the main entrances to the workplace. This requirement comes into force at 11:59am on 19 August 2020. Further information on the QR code and how to obtain one can be found here.

Wage subsidy scheme extension:
The wage subsidy extension helps businesses affected by COVID-19 and supports businesses and their staff to maintain an employment connection. It supports employers adversely affected by COVID-19, so that they can continue to pay their employees, and supports workers to ensure they continue to receive income. We will revert after the weekend with more information.

Recovery funding:
Please spread the word that the Community Resilience Fund Version 2 is still open to any organisation across the sector. Details here. The fund is open until 4 September 2020 and offers financial support to play, active recreation or sport organisations who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. We welcome applications from organisations that have not previously received funding along with those who might have received support in round 1. Key and material differences to the fund version two:
• Applicants do not need to be affiliated to Sport NZ national partners
• It covers operational costs that are critical to delivering activities and programmes

Useful links:
• The Unite Against COVID-19 website carries a wide range of useful information including current regional alert levels, detail on what each alert level means, how and when to get tested, and support for businesses.
• The Ministry of Health is advising the use of face masks. This advisory may be strengthened. We recommend familiarisation with appropriate use of masks.

Tonight, around 9:30pm, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced four positive cases of COVID-19 outside of managed isolation or quarantine. These cases are all in South Auckland and in the same household.

The action the Government has taken is to move Auckland to Level 3 restrictions from 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday 12 August). The restrictions will last three days until midnight Friday. The rest of the country outside of Auckland will move into Level 2. The level 2 restrictions are in place from midday tomorrow until midnight on Friday.

If you have questions about sports operations at these levels, please first refer to Sport New Zealand’s Alert guidance here: https://sportnz.org.nz/covid-19/alert-level-information/

The Government’s wider alert level information is available on the COVID-19 website here: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/restrictions/alert-system-overview/

The Government is also reminding New Zealanders of the importance of additional hygiene measures, including hand washing, cleaning surfaces, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and staying home if you feel unwell.

If you haven’t already done so, it is recommended that you download and use the contact tracing app: https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/stay-healthy/keep-track-of-where-youve-been/

As mentioned in earlier COVID-19 messaging, Sport NZ have said some organisations in the sport sector did not have health and safety plans or business continuity plans in place earlier in the year. If you are still looking to improve your plans, you can find helpful templates on the Sport NZ website.

We will continue to update the basketball community with information as it comes to hand, as quickly as we can. This includes monitoring the situation and seeking advice from the likes of Sport New Zealand and the Ministry of Health in regards to upcoming Basketball New Zealand and NBL events.

All Basketball New Zealand COVID-19 updates can be found here: https://nz.basketball/bbnz-covid-19-updates/

The Minister of Sport, Grant Robertson, has announced $80 million worth of sport recovery packages, with $54 million of that over the 2020/2021 financial year.

The immediate news for Basketball is the New Zealand National Basketball League (NBL) will benefit with a $500,000 allocation to be split: $300,000 for the men’s league and $200,000 for the women’s league.

The men’s league is already in its third week and being played at The Trust’s Arena in Auckland. Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive, Iain Potter, says this package is a “huge relief” as the NBL had already underwritten this event to the cost of about $1 million.

“The $300k assistance is a huge relief as it largely covers the forecast deficit. The NBL was determined to see the League played in 2020 in order to meet obligations to broadcasters and sponsors, see the players get to play and earn something, and to ensure that basketball and the NBL are seen and enjoyed by their many supporters. Thanks to this announcement, after the NBL Grand Final is played on 1 August we can confidently begin planning for another great event in 2021.

“The NBL is now excitedly organising the women’s league after it was derailed by COVID-19 and the teams postponed the season until another opportunity was presented. We already have great interest form many teams. The NBL team is working through those details and plan to announce the 2020 competition details later this month.

“The other targeted areas in the package present more great opportunities to see basketball continue its rise within what has been a tough year for sport and all Kiwis,” says Potter.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION, HON GRANT ROBERTSON
07 JULY 2020

$80 million for sport recovery at all levels

Grant Robertson has today announced the first major release of funding from the $265 million Sport Recovery Package announced at Budget 2020.

“Today we’re setting out how $80 million will be invested, with $54 million of that over the 2020/2021 financial year for organisations from community level through to elite level.

“All levels of the sector have been affected by COVID-19 and this funding is focused on making sure the sector continues to thrive, while also ensuring New Zealanders can continue to maintain their wellbeing through physical activity.

This first release of funding from the Sport Recovery Package includes:
• A $68 million fund (Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa) to support community sport. This builds on the KiwiSport Regional Partnership fund to provide quality opportunities for young people who are missing out, particularly in higher deprivation areas. ($34 million is from the Sport Recovery Package with the remaining $34 million from existing Sport NZ baselines).
• A $25.4 million fund for Sport NZ’s national partners to strengthen and adapt. This funding will also support specific sports with the cost of running premier national leagues affected by COVID-19 (including basketball).
• $10 million for a second Community Resilience Fund to provide further immediate support to a broader range of eligible local and regional organisations.
• An initial $7.3 million package to improve facilities for New Zealand’s upcoming hosting of world cups.

The funds will open for application by the end of August – details on Sport NZ’s website.

“Sport NZ has also earmarked $3 million for individuals and families in financial hardship who are unable to take part in sport and recreation opportunities. Details on how this funding will be distributed will be released in coming weeks.

“All the funding announced today, and the remainder of the package will continue to place a specific emphasis on groups who are traditionally less active or are missing out, including women and girls, Māori, disabled people and our high deprivation communities.”

“Having prioritised initiatives that focus on the areas in most need of support, Sport NZ will continue to engage with the sector to decide how the remaining $180 million is best spent over the next four years to help sport recover, strengthen and adapt,” Grant Robertson said.

Basketball New Zealand has committed to seeing a secondary schools national event this year.

The event will be held in Palmerston North at the beginning of school holidays, 29 September to 3 October, just after schools have completed their third-term events.

The major change will be the qualification process, which will be different from the norm. The ‘Premierships’ qualification tournaments have already been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 and to allow local basketball activities to run unimpeded. Instead, qualification for this 2020 event will be through regional or local competitions.

Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive, Iain Potter, says this was the best available solution, and allows schools to play and qualify without causing disruption to their local activities.

“COVID-19 created uncertainty as to whether the Nationals could be staged this year. We thought it might be possible to host an adapted event and worked closely with New Zealand School Sport around this qualification approach. It will be better for schools, parents and players – it means less time-pressure, less cost, and less interference for local sporting and academic activities. The bulk of feedback has been positive for this approach, with a strong desire for an event to happen.

“Attending a national event is a big deal for schools and the kids who get to play. The basketball community really gets in behind it and we are grateful an event can still proceed. This year might be different, but it will be a celebration of secondary schools basketball.”

The Basketball New Zealand schools tournaments page can be found here.

Welcome to Alert Level 1.

The Government decision to move to Alert Level 1 came earlier than expected. Sport NZ has posted a new Alert Level 1 table here, carrying the following advice with aspects that are specific to play, active recreation and sport:

• Under Alert Level 1 the disease is contained in New Zealand, but COVID-19 remains uncontrolled overseas.
• The main controls under Alert Level 1 are border restrictions and managed isolation or quarantine for people entering the country.
• Play, active recreation and sport under Alert Level 1 looks like much like it did pre-COVID-19 but with border restrictions.
• There are no restrictions on businesses and services (including hospitality), no restrictions on gathering, no requirements for physical distancing, and no requirements to keep records to enable contact tracing. You should still maintain QR codes however where possible, to allow people to log where they have been.
• While none of the public health requirements are mandatory – it is important to remain vigilant and continue to practice good hygiene to minimise the risk of community transmission.
• In Alert Level 1 we should be prepared to quickly move into higher alert levels if we need to.
• As mass gatherings limits are removed, large events such as sports games or tournaments are able to go ahead. Organisers are encouraged to adopt the COVID Code (details coming soon) and should be aware they may be asked to postpone or cancel gatherings under the circumstance that a significant outbreak has re-occurred, or if case numbers increase.

As a side note, Sport NZ say they have discovered, during higher alert levels, that some organisations in the play, active recreation and sport sector did not have health and safety plans or business continuity plans. This is an opportunity to review the requirements relevant to your operating environment and put one in place. You can find helpful templates on the Sport NZ website to help you on this journey.

The international 3×3.EXE PREMIER league, run out of Japan, has been cancelled for 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19.

The 2020 League would have consisted of 1196 games played across multiple conferences hosted in Chinese Taipei, India, Japan, New Zealand and Thailand.

Currently the 3×3.EXE PREMIER 2021 season is scheduled for May.

Sport New Zealand Covid-19 Sector Update

28 May 2020 – Please find below today’s Sector Update containing links to the new Alert Level 2 information.

As outlined earlier in the week, the number of those permitted in a single gathering will rise to 100 or fewer tomorrow (Friday) at midday.  This is good news for the play, active recreation and sport sector and gives most forms the ability to re-start their activities, albeit within a controlled setting.  The new guidelines allow for groups of 100 or fewer to come together without the need for physical distancing, but with contact tracing and public hygiene measures in place.  This number must include participants, spectators, officials and coaches.  However variations of this rule apply to allow for more than one gathering to take place and spectators to be treated differently, provided that groups are kept separated.

Key points from this Update are:

• If spectators are within 2m they are part of the 100
• If they are well side-lined (more than 2m) they can be counted separately, but need to follow physical distancing rules
• Planned spectators should be contact traced
• Groups should be kept sufficiently apart and phased to make sure they don’t come into contact

Read more at the links below.

• New alert level table
• New mass gatherings guidance
• New Frequently Asked Questions

Community Resilience Fund Update
Sport NZ’s Community Resilience Fund, currently being distributed via the 14 Regional Sport Trusts to their regions, is now in week three.  The fund is open to all local and regional organisations who are affiliated to current investment partners, as well as those that can seek endorsement via specified Maori endorsement partners.  To date, 808 applications have been received with $3.419m approved, resulting in 184 regional organisations and 588 clubs supported to date. $15m has been committed to the fund by Sport NZ to help regional and local organisations remain financially viable through the immediate period of disruption created by COVID-19.  We encourage you to keep promoting the fund through your networks.  More information including eligibility criteria can be found here.

Class 4 funding update
Alert Level 2 has seen the return of some funding sources, notably gaming and sports betting.  In Alert Level 2, guidelines allow all gaming machines to operate if screens are erected and physical distancing rules are observed.  Lotto venues have also reopened and the impact on profits during Alert Levels 3 and 4 have not been as bad as anticipated.  It is widely acknowledged that charitable and community organisations, including Class 4 operators and others that utilise gambling as a part of their fundraising, have been hit hard by lockdown.  As part of the COVID-19 response and longer-term recovery, DIA is considering how existing community funding mechanisms can more efficiently and sustainably work to support communities.  This includes community return expectations around gambling profits.
Sport New Zealand – Alert Level 2 Guidelines

Message to Coaches

Return to Play for Youth Sports
With the COVID restrictions slowly being reduced Basketball Coaches  throughout the country will be enthusiastic to get back  on the court and start working with teams.

However, it will be important to be mindful of progressing slowly and with caution.  Players will need to be slowly re-introduced to the rigors and training and playing.  The following recommendations should be followed:

1. Coaches will be itching to get back into training and working their players out and it is important to realise that trying to flog them to catch up for lost time is not the way to go.  Ease your players back into play using the recommended return to play/sport protocols provided.
2. Your annual/periodisation plans will also be out of sync and now is a great time to review those initial plans according to the competitions you have scheduled for the remainder of the year for your team/players.  Especially with the amount of time that your athletes can commit to training i.e. the shortening of the academic year and requirements of those at secondary school players.
3. Find out how your players are feeling outside of basketball.  How can you best support them and alleviate their anxieties and apprehensions with return to sport in the current Covid-19 environment.  Show empathy and flexibility to what they can commit to, as every player will have a different set of circumstances that they and their families are faced with.
4. REFLECTION: Take some time for reflection and review your coaching.  Consider what you could do differently given the restrictions and circumstances and be prepared for your next session.
5. Ensure you have your health and safety protocols sorted as part of that planning ensure you have planned to minimise/illuminate potential risks i.e. hand sanitiser, disinfectant, and wipes (for the basketball) and mouthguards (for contact scrimmages) as well as your basic first aid kit.

BBNZ would like to acknowledge the work done by Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation, Mel Downer and Dr Stephen Bird for develop the Return to Sport Guidelines for Youth Sport which articulates the different stages for preparation of athletes over the next 5 weeks.
Return to Play – Guidelines Youth Sport.

Returning to Sport
In addition to these guidelines for basketball High Performance Sport New Zealand in collaboration with Sports Medicine New Zealand have also put together some health-related considerations for all New Zealanders when resuming sport or exercise in the post-COVID-19 period.

Sport New Zealand – Return to Play Information for Coaches
As we move closer to a return to community sport, coaches will play a critical role in inspiring, connecting and caring for young people as they reintegrate back into their community sporting experiences.

In the lead in to returning to train and play, Sport NZ with the assistance and support of HPSNZ and several NSOs have developed an initiative to recognise the valuable role coaches play and to support them as they reintegrate back into sport. We are starting this week with a special message to coaches from athletes across NZ which can be found here.

As part of this initiative, on June 3rd at 7.30pm, Sport New Zealand are running a return to play webinar for Kiwi coaches. The webinar is for any and all coaches in New Zealand, and it will cover key information to ensure the transition back to sport is a positive one for their athletes. For more information the webinar link can be found here.

We will also be developing a series of resources for coaches that will be available via the BiB website which can be found here.

Health and Safety Hazard Identification Form

Basketball New Zealand has developed a comprehensive Event Hazard Identification Form (template) to assist Associations in preparation for forthcoming Events and Competitions.

This form has been created by BBNZ in relation to the Ministry of Health (MOH), New Zealand Government and Sport New Zealand (SNZ) guidelines for returning to sport under COVID‑19 restrictions, but also identifies a full range of potential threats and hazards beyond the COVID environment.

The template is a starting point for pre-event discussions and consideration that will allow Event Organisers the opportunity to consider all potentialities.  The template has a number of examples provided as a starting point for discussion and planning.

BBNZ recommends that Associations use this template with all Venues and Contractors to ensure alignment of all Health and Safety requirements.

The Hazard Identification Form can be found at this link under ‘General’.

Aon U15 and U17 Nationals 2020 Update

As mentioned, BBNZ intends to offer the Aon U15 and U17 Nationals this year over Labour Weekend.  To help with your planning, we are able to confirm the following details:

Aon U15 Nationals

• Date:  Saturday, 24 October to Monday, 26 October (Labour Weekend)
• No. of Days:  3 days
• No. of Teams:  16 boys teams and 16 girls teams
• City:  Auckland
• Venue:  Pulman Arena (with a back up venue at Alan Brewster Recreation Centre)

Aon U17 Nationals

• Date:  Saturday, 24 October to Monday, 26 October (Labour Weekend)
• No. of Days:  3 days
• No. of Teams:  16 boys teams and 16 girls teams
  City:  Christchurch
• Venues:  Cowles Stadium and Bishopdale YMCA

BBNZ are working on the assumption that by the time we reach October the country is in Alert Level 1 or 0.  Please note that we are subject as always to Government rules and guidelines around COVID-19.

Further details regarding zone spots and any further modified regulations will be released next week.

Yesterday the Government announced a softening of restrictions to allow for up to 100 people to gather, effective from midday Friday (29/05/20).

This is good news as it will allow teams to train together and to play each other, when they are ready to do so.

The new 100 person limit on gatherings restrictions for facilities will require you to work with your venues to ensure activity is phased to enable contact tracing, physical distancing and gathering limit requirements to be adhered to.

Restrictions are still needed to control the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand and this will mean that larger events are still unable to take place.

All other Level 2 requirements remain and it is important to remember we are still in the ‘prepare to play’ phase until 4 June. Please ensure you work through the Level 2 requirements (BBNZ COVID-19 page) to prepare for a safe return to play.

Sport New Zealand will be revising online guidance documents for the sport and recreation sector in the next few days, you can check the latest resources on the Sport NZ website here.

With the changes to the basketball calendar due to COVID-19, Basketball New Zealand still intends to offer the following basketball tournaments in 2020:

• Secondary Schools National Championships – first week of the third term holidays (usual timing)
• U13 Regionals – second week of the third term holidays (as usual)
• U15 Aon Nationals – Labour Weekend
• U17 Aon Nationals – Labour Weekend

The venues, processes, number of planned tournament days and team numbers for each event remains under consideration.  Factors include COVID-19 restrictions, Association/schools demand, host and venue availability, referee and volunteer availability, funding etc.

We aim to confirm more details within the coming weeks, subject as always to Government rules and guidelines around COVID-19.

The concept of a school leavers tournament this year will not go ahead given the restrictions, demand for facilities, clash with community sport competitions, and other clashes like exams and other events.

After discussions with School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ) and in line with other major sports, Basketball New Zealand has made the tough decision to cancel all basketball events for winter tournament week (beginning 31 August 2020):

• Junior Secondary Schools Premierships (Zone 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Secondary Schools Northern Cup
• Secondary Schools Central Cup
• Secondary Schools Southern Cup
• Secondary Schools ‘A’ North Island Premierships
• Secondary Schools ‘A’ South Island Premierships
• Secondary Schools ‘AA’ Premierships (Zone 1, 2, 3, 4)

With the disruption to the 2020 sporting calendar, freeing up winter tournament week will provide a much-needed opportunity for community level sport to fit a truncated winter season of basketball into the third term. Many of the venues that would normally be utilised for Winter Tournament Week will also be required for community sport.

The 2020 3×3 National Championships, that were postponed from March, have also been cancelled.

Basketball New Zealand still hopes to hold the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championships in the first week of the October holidays. This will mean the number of teams, the structure of the event and qualifying processes may need changing. Possible changes will be considered in discussion with SSNZ, as well as being subject to Government COVID-19 restrictions. This should become clearer as the Government announces further possible restrictions under the Alert Level system.

A Wage Subsidy Extension payment will be available to support employers, including sole traders, who are still significantly impacted by COVID-19 after the Wage Subsidy ends.

The Wage Subsidy Extension will be available from 10 June 2020 until 1 September 2020.

Below are some key points.  More information about this payment and how to apply will be available before 10 June.

• You must have had, or expect to have, a revenue loss of at least 50% for the 30 days before you apply, compared to the closest period last year.
• It will cover eight weeks per employee from the date you submit your application.
• It will be paid to you as a lump sum at the same weekly rate as the Wage Subsidy.
• You’ll need to agree to certain obligations, such as to:
  • pass the subsidy on to your employees
  • retain your employees for the duration of the subsidy
  • do your best to pay your employees at least 80% of their normal pay
  • take active steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on your business.

More on the WINZ schedule here.

Sport New Zealand has confirmed that community sports are not allowed gatherings over 10 people while in Level 2, which comes into effect today, Thursday 14 May.

During Level 2, multiple groups (bubbles) of up to 10 people can operate in larger facilities and open spaces as long as they maintain the two-metre physical distancing requirement between groups.

Essentially, for community sport, Level 2 is a ‘Prepare to Play’ phase. Anyone offering basketball in their communities must prepare and put robust health and safety measures in place.  This includes contact tracing, limiting bubbles to 10 people, sanitation processes and physical distancing.

For Associations and competition organisers, there is much to do in this ‘Prepare to Play’ phase. The following information covers key guidance to help ensure a safe and compliant resumption of competition, including:

• When community basketball might return
• Facilities
• Contact tracing
• Cleaning and hygiene
• Gatherings and spectators
• Physical distancing
• Player physical preparation

When community basketball might return

All forms of competition and tournament basketball remain postponed during this ‘Prepare to Play’ period from 14 May – 4 June. This time enables  Associations and clubs time to ensure all appropriate measures are in place before returning to competition.

Training is permitted during this ‘Prepare to Play’ period if strict hygiene measures, physical distancing guidelines and a maximum of 10 people per group are followed​.

Sport NZ are indicating a possible return to competition from 30 May (depending on the 25 May government review of the number of people allowed in gatherings). To allow for more time and account for the uncertainty around this date, Basketball New Zealand recommends that competitive basketball does not resume before Friday 4 June. Please note that this is subject to change based on government direction and advice.

Pending the Government decision on 25 May, it’s possible that Queen’s Birthday weekend may be used for pre-season games subject to the strict public health requirements detailed in this update. Modified game formats are recommended (more information to come).

Competition should only resume when all the required health and safety measures have been put in place and tested. Players and teams should also have had the opportunity to physically prepare for a return to play, with injury prevention training noted as a priority.

Facilities (indoor and outdoor)

Please note that the responsibility to meet health and safety and contact tracing obligations at facilities sits with the hirer/user.

• Facilities must have a written plan for safe operation in place and those with employees must have a WorkSafe plan in place.
• Facilities must provide water, soap and towels/drier for participants to wash and dry their hands, or hand sanitiser (containing at least 70% alcohol).
• Check with Facilities, they may also have their own systems in place for contact tracing and spectator rules.
• Venue entry and exit protocols need to be agreed with facility operators.

Please refer to the BBNZ Health and Safety Guidelines for more details.

Contact Tracing

The impending return to basketball requires all Associations to have their own robust and sustainable Contact Tracing system in place. The responsibility for contract tracing belongs to Associations as users (hiring a venue).

Contact tracing will apply to every individual that is at a venue at any one time (indoor and outdoor). This includes players, officials, coaches, managers, spectators, association/competition staff and venue staff. We are recommending all Associations use The Huddle as a contact tracing tool. This will ensure all your data is located in a secure and central location online, and enhances your ability to maintain an accurate database of your members. We are also recommending The Huddle because:

• Pre-registration will ensure you know exactly who should be entering the venue, adhering to gathering thresholds.
• Pre-registration speeds up venue entry process and the likelihood of delays and/or physical distancing issues.
• Easily identify close contacts.
• Limit what requires sanitisation (i.e. pens).
• Digital record means data is collected and secure.
• Builds and maintain a comprehensive accurate database of your members.

The BBNZ Contract Tracing Guidelines can be found here.

Cleaning and Hygiene

• All participants and spectators must follow public health hygiene measures, including washing and drying hands before and after any activity. Hand washing facilities must be available.
• Exercise caution with common touch points (e.g. gates or doors) and wash or sanitise your hands after touching these surfaces. Also ensure these surfaces are sanitised regularly.
• Minimise the sharing of equipment, in particular balls.
• Equipment including balls must be cleaned, disinfected and dried after each training or game.

Please refer to the BBNZ Health and Safety Guidelines for more details.

Gatherings and Spectators

• The maximum number of people in one gathering is 10. Each group must maintain a minimum of two metres physical distance from other groups.
• A gathering includes players, coaches, officials, support staff and spectators.
• The total number of people in one venue, at any one time, must be limited to a maximum of 100 people (either indoors or outdoors).
• The contact tracing register for all participants and spectators must be in place and able to be accessed quickly.
• We recommend that spectators are not allowed venue entry under Level 2. If you do decide to allow entry, a limit should be put in place and agreed with your host venue. Guardians of children should be allowed, but also accounted for within the 100 person limit.

Physical Distancing

• People may participate in team sport and physical activity, including where physical distance cannot be maintained as long as no more than a total of 10 people are involved.
• Multiple groups of up to 10 people can operate in larger facilities and open spaces as long as they maintain the two-metre physical distancing requirement between groups.
• Participants should maintain physical distancing of one metre or more where contact tracing measures are in place when not participating in the sport or activity.
• People should remain at least two metres apart from people they don’t know or where there is no contract tracing in place. In facilities with contact tracing measures in place, a minimum of one metre physical distancing is recommended.

Workshops and meetings

Workshops and meetings can be held subject to the following conditions:

• Cleaning and hygiene guidelines.
• Contact tracing.
• Attendees are all seated at least one metre apart.
• The limit of no more than 100 people in a facility is maintained.

Preparing players for a return to play – injury prevention training

Following an extended period without team trainings and contact sport, a period of physical preparation and injury prevention training is critical to help ensure a safe return to play minimising the potential of injuries

Resources to help with injury prevention training and athlete strength and conditioning can be found here.

Sport New Zealand advice for all sports, including level 2 guidance, can be found on their webpage here.

This evening Sport New Zealand issued the following media release clarifying that community sports are not allowed gatherings over 10 people while in Level 2, which comes into effect this Thursday Thursday.

Essentially, for community sport, Level 2 is a ‘Get Ready’ phase followed by a ‘Prepare to Play’ phase.

Under the ‘Get Ready’ phase, anyone offering basketball in their communities must prepare and put robust health and safety measures in place. This includes contact tracing, limiting bubbles to 10 people and sanitation processes – precautions like hand-washing is still essential.

The ‘Prepare to Play’ phase means players and sports providers can start training in bubbles of ten people or less, but only within a controlled environment with the required health and safety measures in place.

Sport NZ indicate, all going well, that the bubble restrictions may be loosened around Queen’s Birthday Weekend, so competition could possibly resume from 30 May. We should assume this will still be under controlled measures like contact tracing and sanitation requirements.

Associations may also need more time to book facilities, communicate with teams and players, administer leagues, meet with funders and many other tasks before they can resume competition, some competitions may require a later start than 30 May.

The ‘Prepare to Play’ period also gives players time to return to training, before the heightened pressure of competitive play. Injury prevention is important and we will be posting more guidance from ACC in the coming days, along with other basketball-specific guidance that may be of use to Associations in the ‘Get Ready’ phase.

The updated Sport NZ guidance for under Level 2 can be found here.

SPORT NEW ZEALAND MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 12 May

Updated guidance on community sport at Alert Level 2

Following yesterday’s announcement on the transition to Alert Level 2, Sport NZ can confirm that the 10 person gathering limit does apply to all community sport.

“We have worked closely with major winter codes around how and when they are best able to get their seasons underway, and what has come through clearly from those discussions is the importance of having an initial phase of preparation before play can commence,” says Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.

“We anticipate it being possible for competitions to be able to commence from around 30 May, subject to New Zealand’s continued containment of COVID-19 and the advice of the Director-General of Health.  Some sports may choose to take longer to start competitions depending on their specific circumstances.”

For many sports, this is now in a ‘get ready’ phase where they will put in place what is needed to commence safely. As training numbers can increase sports will then enter a ‘prepare to play’ phase to get athletes ready to compete.

Some sports may be able to return sooner. From Thursday sports can train and play subject to the combined number of players, coaches and/or officials not exceeding 10 and appropriate physical distancing guidelines being observed.

“Where this is possible, we are encouraging sports and teams to take time to look at how they can operate effectively within the 10 person limit and adhere to public guidelines around hygiene, contract tracing, physical distancing and gatherings,” says Peter Miskimmin.

“It’s important everyone is patient as this will help to keep New Zealanders safe. We don’t want sport to be the reason we go backwards in alert levels.”

Professional sports teams are not covered by this guidance. They are being treated in line with guidance on workplaces, and have indicated that their competitions will commence in June.

Updated Level 2 Guidelines for Physical Activity are available at sportnz.org.nz.

This afternoon Sport New Zealand released up-to-date guidance around sport operating under Level 2, including a Level 2 sport and recreation table of information which we are considering.

Sport New Zealand have stated that it is essential to get safety protocols in place before sport resumes, and ensure that everyone is on the same page:

“The key message we would like to stress at this time is one of taking a considered and measured approach to the restart of your operations, in consultation with your national agency. Moving too quickly sends a message to people and communities that normal functions are resumed.

“This is not the case as organisations and facilities will need to carefully manage hygiene risk, training and play environments may need to be modified, physical distancing considerations will remain and travel is still impacted.” – Sport New Zealand.

In line with this, we will publish more information to our community (likely middle of next week) on a ‘Prepare to Play’ phase, with guidance on what must be done by basketball organisations to ensure a safer return to community basketball. We plan to work with Sport NZ on this guidance.

Before we return to play, our community must ensure all the required safety protocols are put in place, and everyone is aware what needs to be done when attending and participating in any basketball activity.

Cabinet meet to decide the timing of the move to Alert Level 2 next Monday, 11 May.

– Basketball New Zealand.

Sport New Zealand has announced a relief package for sport and recreation organisations, which will be accessible to some basketball Associations and clubs:

• Local clubs/associations (with individual members) can apply for up to $1,000.
• Regional organisations (with member organisations) can apply for up to $40,000.

The Resilience Fund is specifically to help support organisations that are facing financial hardship due to the impact of COVID-19. It Is not for the purpose of creating sporting opportunities or events.

To apply, organisations must submit an application to their Regional Sports Trust – applications open at 10am on 11 May. The application must include a budget for the current financial year.

We recommend Associations that are considering applying for this package to:

• Read the full details, inlcuding the FAQs and media release outlined below, and double check the Sport NZ website.
• Prepare the budget in the coming days so it is avaiable when you are accessing your RSTs application process on Monday (11 May).
• Should Associations wish to discuss this further with someone at Basketball New Zealand, email matthew@nz.basketball in the first instance.

SPORT NZ MEDIA RELEASE

Sport NZ announces further $25 million short-term relief package

Primary focus on clubs and regional organisations

Sport NZ has created a $25 million package to provide further short-term relief for organisations at all levels of sport and active recreation. The funds have been made available through savings achieved from the reprioritisation of Sport NZ’s work programme in the wake of COVID-19, as well as the drawing down on cash reserves.

Today’s announcement follows an initial package of support for Sport NZ and High Performance Sport NZ partners announced in early April. This provided financial certainty for National Sport and Recreation Organisations, Regional Sport Trusts others, with funding commitments totalling $70 million per annum. Partners were provided with flexibility on how these funds could be used to reflect the challenging circumstances resulting from COVID-19 through until 30 June 2021.

The second tranche of support announced today has a focus on providing relief for struggling local and regional sport and recreation organisations. This relief will be provided via a $15m Community Resilience Fund.

“Play, active recreation and sport have a key role in maintaining individual health and wellbeing, bringing our communities together and keeping these communities strong,” says Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.

“It is vital that organisations at all levels of our sector remain viable and are there when play, active recreation and sport can fully resume, and we believe we have structured this relief package in a way that will maximise its benefit at all levels of the sector for the greatest possible good.”

“Clubs and regional organisations are the heartbeat of our sector but have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, particularly through the loss of Class 4 gaming revenue and membership fees and they need support now more than ever,” says Peter Miskimmin.

The Sport NZ Community Resilience Fund opens on Monday 11 May and will be administered through New Zealand’s 14 regional sports trusts due to the strength of their networks deep into their local sport and recreation communities. Eligible organisations can apply for a maximum of $1,000 for clubs and $40,000 for regional bodies.

Also included in Sport NZ’s $25 million relief package are:

• A partner support fund ($6 million) to help Sport NZ and HPSNZ investment partners maintain critical roles and business functions which are at risk due to COVID-19
• An exceptional system support fund ($1 million) to protect key national organisations who are not normal recipients of Sport NZ investment
• A physical activity fund ($3 million) to promote play, active recreation and sport opportunities to those who most need it (e.g. people who are less active, disabled or live in high deprivation areas)

Further details on these three funds will be announced over the coming weeks.

Sport NZ also continues to provide expert business capability support to its partners in areas such as finance, human resources and technology, as well as providing free employee wellbeing services and support in accessing the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.

More information on new $25 million short-term relief package and Sport NZ’s wider response to COVID-19 is available at sportnz.org.nz.

Sport NZ Relief Fund webpage

FAQs Community Resilience Fund – Sport NZ

Factsheet – Community Resilience Fund – Sport NZ

Last week we provided Alert Level 3 information and some anticipated timelines to the release of further information on Alert Level 2 for the sport and recreation sector from Sport New Zealand. Late on Friday Sport NZ provided an update on this. Further information on Alert Level 2 is now not expected until Friday 8 May at the earliest.

Sport New Zealand are advocating on behalf of the sector with several government entities and are guided by lead agencies and the Prime Minister’s office.

Sport NZ have directed National Sports Organisations to not develop their own guidelines until Sport NZ have released guidance, to help ensure that when official government guidelines are released they are consistent across our sector. Whilst this delay is challenging for us to prepare for a potential move to Level 2, we acknowledge the importance of following government direction for clear and consistent guidelines.

Current key dates are as follows (please note these may be subject to change):
• Friday 8 May – Alert Level 2 Guidelines from Sport New Zealand (TBC)
• Monday 11 May – Government announcement on Alert Level review
• Thursday 14 May- Government Budget Day

Following the Government Budget announcement we anticipate more information on any further support for the sport and recreation sector to be released in the week commencing Monday 18 May.
Below we have provided further information on;
• Statement from Sport New Zealand (released late Friday)
• Alert Levels existing guidelines (from Sport NZ)
• Contact tracing (use of SportsTG)

COVID-19 UPDATE: Alert 3

Sport New Zealand released guidelines for sport and recreation activity for Alert Level 3 on Friday.

Due to basketball being classified as a ‘contact sport’ with the requirement for physical distancing at Level 3, fundamentally Level 3 has the same restrictions for basketball as there was in Level 4. Namely, people should maintain their bubbles and contact activities are not permitted. Basketball will be restricted to individual play at home or within household bubbles.

• Sport NZ
  A new table is available here containing the latest Government position on physical activity.
• Sport NZ has also published Frequently Asked Questionsthat build on the most common scenarios and will be useful to public interpretation.

The Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) Board have met to consider, among other things, recommendations for the remaining tournaments scheduled in 2020. Associations throughout the country, as well as players, coaches and families, will be looking for some clarity around tournaments, to help planning and budgeting.

At this stage, due to the Government’s necessary COVID-19 measures that are helping us fight the virus, there will not be any national age group events held during the next four months, until the end of July.

It is difficult to provide certainty around what events will be worked into the calendar. Some events will be cancelled. However, where possible, BBNZ is postponing events and considering options including modifying events, reducing attendance, staging regional versions and shifting dates.

CANCELLATIONS

The following 2020 tournaments cancelled:

• Under 19 Nationals (was scheduled for 30 May to 2 June in Dunedin)
• Under 23 Nationals (was scheduled for 12-15 August in Napier)
• Tertiary Nationals (was scheduled for 18-20 September in Auckland)

BBNZ is considering the possibility of a tournament to cater for school leavers/young adults at a date yet to be decided.

CURRENTLY POSTPONED

The following 2020 tournaments are postponed:

• Under 17 Nationals (was scheduled for 8-11 July in Nelson).
• Under 15 Nationals (was scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland)

BBNZ is considering when these events could be held this year, along with modified formats and qualification criteria. These decisions will depend on Government restrictions and advice from the Ministry of Health and Sport New Zealand, post the July/August period.

STILL SCHEDULED

The Secondary Schools National Premierships (29 August – 5 September) and Championships (28 September – 3 October) remain scheduled as is.

These events are part of the School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ) sanctioned calendar, which is currently suspended. BBNZ will continue discussions with SSNZ and consider what is possible, but qualification processes, formats and attendance numbers may have to be adjusted to fit the realities of this COVID-19 environment.

The U13 regionals are still scheduled for 7-10 October, but could be moved if required to assist staging of other postponed events.

BBNZ understands that Associations and teams need time to prepare and adapt to any changes in dates and venues. We hope to provide as much notice as possible.

It is understood that some Associations may not be able to participate in any regional or national events this year. That’s understood and acceptable given the circumstances. We are lucky that this year coincides with the change in age-definition, so most players get two chances at their age grade. Right now, our priority is that we all work through this crisis as safely as possible and bounce back strongly as soon as possible.

We thank you for your understanding. We wish you well at this difficult time and hope you stay safe as we all do what is expected of us by the Government, and do our part to help protect our communities.

In this update:

• Message to Associations
• Wage Subsidy and Leave payments
• Sports TG update
• BBNZ Sport Tutor
• HP Content
• AGM
• Awards
• Useful links

Dear BBNZ Associations,

Today we are all preparing for what we are required to do under the Government’s Alert 4 lockdown, beginning midnight on Wednesday.

Basketball New Zealand will be operating as best we can during this time, with the hope of getting through the next few months and planning towards recovery later in the year. In the meantime, we will be looking to work remotely and online.

We know you are currently facing some tough challenges, and we are still here for you to contact. Matthew and the rest of the BBNZ team is still available to take enquiries, calls and emails.

As for the game, there are opportunities for us to embrace the pick-up nature of basketball with those we are self-isolating with, or by ourselves. In the coming weeks we will push out online-content about basketball training and skill sessions, pieces looking at our history and our future, and education for administrators, coaches and referees. We must adapt and look for creative solutions in the next few months. Below you will see Sport TG have already started offering webinars in a similar vein.

Stay strong and safe, as we all do what is necessary to overcome COVID-19.

Tū Kaha,

Basketball New Zealand.

WAGE SUBSIDY AND LEAVE PAYMENTS

We know that some Associations have already had some success in applying for the Government subsidy and leave payments.

If your Association meets the criteria, you can apply for wage subsidies and/or leave payments by following the links below. We encourage you to read through this information promptly and apply if your Association can meet the criteria.

You can read more on the Wage Subsidy and Leave Support Payment Scheme through Work and Income’s website, see here. To apply online, follow and fill out the following forms:

• Employer application
• Self Employed/Contractor

SportsTG UPDATE

SportsTG do not anticipate any disruption to their services and will continue to keep us updated.

Despite the ongoing adversity, now is an opportune time to utilise the downtime to complete training, upskilling and/or planning in regards to everything technology related.

This is a good time to ensure your membership database is in order. A number of people have already requested a full breakdown of members that have entered their facility.

Daniel Dawick will be circulating additional information in the following weeks which will include:

• Future webinar dates (basketball-specific)
• Follow-ups from the recent National Roadshow (presentations)
• National Technology Survey (to allow us to better understand your needs and current situation) – how can we help
• A dedicated support section on the BBNZ website – links to information, handy tips and training resources

SportsTG will commence a lunch and learn webinar series starting today, 24 March – more info here.

For more information on any of the above please contact Daniel Dawick.

BBNZ SPORT TUTOR

The BBNZ online Learning Management System will still utilised during this time. Soon we will launch our first BBNZ created e-learning modules. These modules will form part of the theory component for our Kiwi Hoops Introductory Coach Course. Any aspiring coach (or parent) will be able to complete much of the course online. More on this soon!

HP CONTENT

Our High-Performance team are now looking at ways to provide some online training and development, similar to what is used in our national programme. This will be available for everyone to use and push out to their communities.

AGM

The AGM that was scheduled for 9 May has been postponed. Our constitution requires that an AGM be held once in each calendar year, giving us plenty of flexibility to push the date out. Our thinking is the AGM will be held later in the year, at a more meaningful and forward-looking time, instead of a bare-minimum tick-box exercise via technology. We will update you as we know more.

AWARDS

In line with the AGM postponement, the Basketball New Zealand Awards that was scheduled for 8 May is also postponed to a date that is yet to be decided.

MORE USEFUL LINKS:

• NZ Government COVID-19 webpage
• Moh COVID-19 webpage
• BBNZ updates page

The Sal’s NBL Women’s Board for the national women’s competition is considering a modified competition that could potentially start in May, or later. The season was originally due to start on April 29.

The season-opening tournament in Dunedin planned for April 30 through to May 2 has been cancelled for the Sal’s NBL Women and the D-League.

The Sal’s NBL Women’s Board is now looking at a modified competition for the Sal’s NBL women’s competition and the D-League.

The decision has been made with the health and well-being of players, team officials, staff and the wider community as the League’s primary focus, along with the health and sustainability of all teams going forward.

It is the Board’s view that a modified competition in 2020 is possible, subject to any changes in regulations being advised by the Government and Ministry of Health.

“This decision takes into account the livelihoods of our people. We have many people, including our players, who derive an income through participating or working in NBL, this is their occupation and we are very mindful of that,” said Sal’s NBL General Manager, Justin Nelson.

“We are dealing with an unprecedented moment in our lives and while it comes with a level of uncertainty, the NBL Women’s Board is working diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of the teams, the integrity of the competition and the well-being of players, coaches and employees is at the forefront of every decision.

“We are currently working on a modified competition, our aim is to start in May, but we will provide a further update by April 3 and go from there,” Nelson added.

Further updates on the Women’s D-League will also be made by April 3.

The Sal’s NBL Men’s 2020 season has been postponed.

The League is now considering the feasibility of a modified competition that could potentially start in either late May or June.

The decision has been made with the health and well-being of players, team officials, staff and the wider community as the League’s primary focus, along with the health and sustainability of all teams going forward.

The League is currently working on a modified competition with broadcast partners Sky Sport, all eight NBL men’s teams and key stakeholders.

It is the League’s view that a modified 2020 competition could only commence, at the earliest, in May or June. If circumstances change, including Government or Ministry of Health advice or regulations, the NBL Men’s Board will continue to assess its options.

“This decision takes into account the livelihoods of our people. We have a couple of hundred people, including our players, who derive an income through participating or working in the NBL, this is their occupation and we are very mindful of that,” said Sal’s NBL General Manager, Justin Nelson.

“We are dealing with an unprecedented moment in our lives and while it comes with a level of uncertainty, the NBL Men’s Board is working diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of the teams, the integrity of the competition and the well-being of players, coaches and employees is at the forefront of every decision.

“It is unrealistic in the current climate to commence the season, so in conjunction with Sky Sport, Sal’s and our valued partners, and all teams, we are drawing a line under our season as it stood but we will continue to consider the feasibility of modifying the competition and commencing later dependent on how things play out. We believe this provides us time and hopefully allows us to modify, adapt and move forward,” Nelson added.

The NBL Men’s Board has decided to cancel the NBL Pre-Season Slam scheduled for April 4/5.

A decision on the 3X3 National Cup scheduled for late May at ILT Stadium Southland will be made at a later date.

The Sal’s NBL Women’s Board will issue a statement at 12 noon today, Friday March 20.

This afternoon Health Minister Hon Dr David Clark stated that all indoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In line with this directive, Basketball New Zealand is recommending to all its 36 regional basketball associations that community basketball (leagues and competitions) be suspended until further notice. Basketball New Zealand has also suspended the Final of the 3×3 Quest Tour and the 3×3 Tertiary Championships.

Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Iain Potter says the limit of 100 people and the emphasis on social distancing means it is now time to shut the doors on organised community basketball, for now at least. He adds the suspension will have serious financial consequences for many basketball associations, but the community understands why this is necessary and will back the decision.

“We understand and thoroughly support the Government’s decision. It’s clearly a fast-moving situation. It’s important we all contribute and play our part to get through this together.

“This is a worrying time for many people and businesses, including sport administrators. Many of our associations have employees and will be feeling a great deal of uncertainty. We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds and look to see how we can support our Associations as best we can. We’ll also reach out to funders in the hope that they will continue to be supportive of our members through this difficult time.

“The wonderful thing about basketball is you can still play the game by yourself. This won’t stop the joy of the game, it just might be a little less formal for now. You watch, driveway basketball is going to be bigger than it ever has been” says Mr Potter.

Basketball New Zealand is currently reviewing all activities planned from now until July. Further information about the Sal’s NBL (men’s and women’s leagues) will be released in near future.

Currently international basketball for the Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns and junior representative teams are suspended. Basketball New Zealand has previously suspended or cancelled a number of events including BBNZ age-group camps, 3×3 Secondary Schools Nationals, and BBNZ coaching and refereeing clinics.

More information:

• Government website ‘Unite Against COVID-19’
• Read previous Basketball New Zealand updates around basketball and COVID-19 here.

MEDIA RELEASE ON COMMUNITY BASKETBALL

With many national sporting organisations cancelling their community sport activities in the regions (including cricket, rugby, netball, league and football) Basketball New Zealand put out this media release, outlining how we are dealing with basketball within the evolving COVID-19 situation. This maybe helpful to Associations when asked about their operations.

We are continuing to take guidance from the Government, Ministry of Health and Sport NZ.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PACKAGE – EMPLOYER COVID-19 WAGE SUBSIDY AND LEAVE PAYMENTS

Yesterday the Government announced a $12.1 billion COVID-19 support package for New Zealand businesses. You can read more on the announcement with further information here.

If your Association meets the criteria you can apply for wage subsidies and/or leave payments by following the links below. We encourage you to read through this information promptly and apply if your Association can meet the criteria.

Over $5 billion has been made available for wage subsidies and the COVID-19 leave payment scheme will also provide support (through employers/to sole traders and the self-employed) for those people unable to work because they are in self-isolation, are sick with COVID-19 or caring for dependents who are in either of these situations.

We note there will be more to come, with further work on support to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Need more information? Where to apply?

You can read more on the Wage Subsidy and Leave Support Payment Scheme through Work and Income’s website, see here. To apply online, follow and fill out the following forms:

• Employer application
• Self Employed/Contractor

UNDER 15 APRIL SELECTION CAMP

The April U15 National Selection camp has been postponed. An email has been sent to all triallists outlining the next steps.

NATIONAL COACHING CLINICS

The National Coaching Clinic series have been postponed. Host Associations have been advised directly. Those clinics postpones are:

• Auckland: Saturday 25 April
• Tauranga: Sunday 26 April
• Wellington: Monday 27 April
• Christchurch: Tuesday 28 April

As a result of this disruption, the high-performance team have been discussing innovative ways to support coaches during this time. They are working on a number of new and exciting initiatives to keep the community coaches engaged over the coming weeks and months including remote development opportunities for coaches, as well as the re-scheduling of the National Coaches Clinic series.

ASSOCIATIONS, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PUSH HYGIENE ADVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Any Associations that are continuing to run basketball within their regions, we’re asking everyone including referees, officials and players to preach the hygiene message. We are working with on guidance to help, which we hope to provide tomorrow. For now though, remember:

• Wash your hands
• If you don’t need to travel overseas, then don’t. Enjoy your own back yard for a time.
• If you’re sick, stay home
• If you sneeze, do it into your elbow
• Stop handshakes, hugs, and hongi
• Please be mindful of the older citizens in your life. Check in on them, but if you’re sick, keep your distance
• Anyone arriving from overseas must follow the self-isolation process
• Do what is best for you and your communities to keep them safe and healthy.

Protecting people’s health is our priority, while also operating within this situation as best we can. We will take actions to respond to the changing situation as expected by the government.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH INFORMATION:

We are asking our community to make sure they are up to date with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage, particularly the health advice for the general public section.

Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is dealing with events on a case-by-case basis, as a number of other national sport organisations suspend community sport.

To date, BBNZ has cancelled or suspended a number of national events and travel plans for teams, while the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. The 3×3 National Secondary Schools event has been suspended as have a number of junior age-grade camps, as well as suspending all their national teams’ activities in cooperation with FIBA.

During the Prime Minister’s press conference on Monday (16 March), it was made clear that gatherings of 500 or more were to be cancelled. The Prime Minister also stated that further prescriptive guidance around public gatherings would be issued, most likely this week. Sport New Zealand also reinforced in a communication to sports today, that there is no necessity to cancel events below 500 people, however guidelines for smaller gatherings are expected to be available shortly.

Basketball New Zealand is awaiting this guidance, while also closely monitoring the expert advice from the Ministry of Health, the Government and talking with other advisors such as Sport New Zealand about the COVID-19 situation that is unfolding.

“With the situation constantly evolving, we are monitoring the advice from experts every hour. Currently we are not asking our Associations to cease community basketball, although it remains their choice.

“The Government’s prescriptive guidance on mass gatherings and events should be released any day now, which will help inform organisations that run community-based activities.

“We have cancelled some projects that have larger gatherings, but we are not at the point where we expect smaller localised basketball to be suspended. There is always the possibility we will reach that point and we are prepared to act if required,” says Mr Potter.

Basketball New Zealand has been sending out MoH hygiene advice and recommended practices to its community regularly. Mr Potter says BBNZ is also taking into account that many community facilities and organisations are still open, like schools, clubs and bars.

“Our Associations are running small community competitions, these do not attract large crowds, so the continuation of community basketball is well within current Government expectations,” says Potter.

“The concern for many is to do the wrong thing and allow the virus to spread. We want to reassure people that Basketball New Zealand is taking this situation very seriously. For example, BBNZ required self-isolation of all overseas NBL players, which was put in place 24 hours before the Government’s requirement – so we are trying our best to be proactive while also being practical.

“The discussion of suspending community sport events is not one we are taking likely. Of course, the health and wellbeing of our community is our priority, while also operating in this environment as best we can, and within the expert guidance of higher authorities like the Government and Ministry of Health,” says Mr Potter.

BBNZ UPDATE 8

Please find changes to more events below.

Our focus continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our athletes, staff and community. We are actively following advice issued by the New Zealand Government.

UNDER 14 CAMP

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the BBNZ Under 14 Camp that was set to take place at Tui Ridge in Rotorua (16-19 April) has been cancelled for 2020. The associated tour to Melbourne will not proceed also.

A full refund of your camp fee will be made. An email has been sent to participants’ contacts outlining the process for this.

JUNIOR TALL BLACKS – Albert Schweitzer Tournament

We have been advised that the Albert Schweitzer Tournament has been cancelled.

Of course we are disappointed that our team will not be able to participate in the prestigious tournament, but we support this decision. It is also in alignment with FIBA’s decision to suspend all its competitions.

UNDER 17 WORLD CUP – BOYS

As reported last week, FIBA took the decision to cancel the FIBA U16 Asian Championships due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, FIBA decided that the top four Asian teams to qualify for the U17 World Championships from the Asian region would be based on the highest ranked countries according to the FIBA Youth Rankings. After the final calculations New Zealand and Japan (boys) were tied on equal points as the fourth best team. On Friday 13 March, FIBA suspended all FIBA competitions.

Once FIBA operation resume, BBNZ will discuss with FIBA how that fourth best-placed Asian team qualifies to attend the U17 World Championships. When we have that information, BBNZ will communicate the next step. Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, we are yet to have a timeline in place for this decision.

UPDATE ON SECONDARY SCHOOLS 3X3 CHAMPS

Following yesterday’s announcement from the Government that gatherings and events of over 500 people should be cancelled, the board of School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ) confirmed that all events on their national calendar are suspended. This means the 2020 Secondary Schools 3X3 Champs will not go ahead on 1-3 April.

The possibility of rescheduling this event in 2020 will be discussed with SSNZ at a later date

We understand that schools may have travel and accommodation bookings for these tournament dates, and payments may have been made with the possibility to be refunded if cancelled within a certain date. We suggest schools make contact with the accommodation or travel operators to cancel bookings.

BBNZ will provide full refunds to those schools who have paid the tournament entry fee. An email has been sent to schools outlining the process for this.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH INFORMATION:

We are asking our community to make sure they are up to date with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage, particularly the health advice for the general public section.

REMEMBER:

• Wash your hands
• If you don’t need to travel overseas, then don’t. Enjoy your own back yard for a time
• If you’re sick, stay home
• If you sneeze, do it into your elbow
• Stop handshakes, hugs, and hongi
• Please be mindful of the older citizens in your life. Check in on them, but if you’re sick, keep your distance
• Anyone arriving from overseas must follow the self-isolation process
• Do what is best for you and your communities to keep them safe and healthy.

Protecting people’s health is our priority, while also operating within this situation as best we can. We will take actions to respond to the changing situation as expected by the government.

With the current COVID-19 situation evolving, Basketball New Zealand is following the guidance from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and we will be making decisions with government advice at the forefront.

Protecting people’s health is our priority, while also operating within this situation as best we can. We will take actions to respond to the changing situation as expected by the government. For now, the government advice to New Zealanders is listed on the MoH COVID-19 webpage. Some of their key messages to New Zealanders is:

• Wash your hands
• If you don’t need to travel overseas, then don’t. Enjoy your own back yard for a time.
• If you’re sick, stay home
• If you sneeze, do it into your elbow
• Stop handshakes, hugs, and hongi
• Please be mindful of the older citizens in your life. Check in on them, but if you’re sick, keep your distance
• Anyone arriving from overseas must follow the self-isolation process.

BBNZ EVENTS AND GOVERNMENT ADVICE AROUND EVENTS:

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made a statement this evening saying mass gatherings over 500 people should be cancelled. The Prime Minister added that, later in the week, further guidance will be issued for event organisers about how they can mitigate issues around gatherings, or if the event should be cancelled. We are awaiting that information. For now, the following is the status of our events that are coming up in the next four weeks.

3×3 SECONDARY SCHOOLS:

• School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ) has suspended all events on the SSNZ calendar (as of 8:30pm this evening), including the 3×3 Secondary Schools Championships.
• SSNZ will review this decision on Monday 6 April.
• We will continue to communicate with SSNZ and, at a  suitable time, discuss any possibilities of rescheduling this event in future.

3X3 QUEST TOUR FINAL IN CHRISTCHURCH:

• This event is currently planned for 28 March.
• This is a small event with no more than 32 New Zealand-based players expected.
• However we will make a decision about this event once we consider the event guidance to be issued by the Government.
• We will continue to monitor and take advice from MoH.

SAL’S NBL:

• The NBL is awaiting the release of further guidance around events from the Government.
• The League continues to be in constant contact with the teams. We will further discuss next steps for season 2020 once the Government’s guidance around events has been issued.
• Anyone arriving from overseas must follow the self-isolation process.
• The NBL will continue to make the health of our players, fans and the wider community the highest priority.
• The NBL is following advice from MoH
• We will continue to keep people updated here and in the NZNBL.basketball website

MESSAGE FOR ASSOCIATIONS:

• Please keep in touch with Basketball New Zealand before making decisions like cancelling or postponing events, or any major decisions you are considering around COVID-19 so that we can keep abreast of what’s happening nationally.
• Associations can contact Matthew Ruscoe (matthew@nz.basketball) if there are issues you wish to discuss.
• We await more information from the Government around events, which is expected later this week.

FIBA EVENTS

• All FIBA events have been suspended.
• FIBA says they will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will evaluate the options for the continuation of the respective competitions when and if the situation allows for it.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH INFORMATION:

We are asking our community to make sure they are up to date with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage, particularly the health advice for the general public section.

The Sal’s New Zealand Basketball League (NBL) has taken steps to proactively address the threat of COVID-19.

It will be a mandatory for all players and team management who are arriving from overseas to follow the Ministry of Health’s self-isolation guidance, regardless of which country they are arriving from. That is currently stated as 14 days on the MoH website.

NBL General Manager, Justin Nelson, says that with sporting leagues and events being cancelled or suspended around the world, the NBL has chosen to be proactive in the hope of protecting the community, including fans, teams, and the League.

“The health and safety of our players, coaches and team staff is paramount, particularly at this time during our preparations for the coming season. But it is also a business decision. We have seen other sports around the world suspending all activity when a player has been diagnosed with COVID-19. If a case was brought into the NBL community, it would affect the League’s ability to play games. The ramifications of that possibility are significant, and we are taking this very-real threat seriously.

“It appears New Zealand is fortunate that cases have been kept to a minimum and people appear to be following self-isolation requests if they feel unwell. In the current climate we may still be able to play a full season and broadcast all games. We are making this call to try and protect that,” says Mr Nelson.

The NBL says more than 50 of the League’s players across both the men’s and women’s leagues are arriving from overseas in the coming weeks, including New Zealand citizens. Nelson says the NBL does not want any players arriving from overseas to show up to practice without being cleared.

“We realise this is a step up in what’s currently required from others arriving from abroad, but we have decided it’s best to be proactive.”

Nelson adds that announcing this precaution now gives the teams time to consider how best to manage their risks and discuss options with their players arriving from overseas. It also gives players the option to get to New Zealand early should they wish to start in game one of the season. Round one of the NBL tips off 9 April.

“The teams are understanding despite this being unsettling for them. The teams are now reaching out to players to discuss options, but we apologise if players are finding this out through the media first – we decided it was best to get this decision out quickly so that our messages are clear as to why we are taking this step,” says Nelson.

The NBL are continuing to monitor updates from the NZ government and the Ministry of Health. Nelson says the NBL has also consulted Basketball New Zealand’s Medical Director, who backs the decision as a strong but important precaution.

“We’ve seen other sporting competitions around the world facing big challenges due to COVID-19.  This decision is to ensure the best preventative measures are in place and right now we fully expect the Sal’s NBL season to proceed from Thursday 9 April” says Nelson.

Basketball New Zealand has a number of other tournaments planned in the coming months, to be held throughout New Zealand. Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Iain Potter says the organisation is closely following advice from the experts.

“We are still monitoring the advice from the New Zealand Government and Ministry of Health. At this stage we are proceeding with our planned national events. We will be taking precautions around these including the promulgation of government advice around hygiene and preventative measures,” says Potter.

More information:

• Ministry of Health’s self-isolation guidance
• Further information on COVID-19 from Ministry of Health

FIBA has just announced that all FIBA competitions are suspended as of tomorrow, Friday, 13 March 2020.

FIBA said in their media release that this is in consideration of the current situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and in order to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, officials and fans.

FIBA added that they will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will evaluate the options for the continuation or not of the respective competitions when and if the situation allows for it.

The New Zealand and Japan Under 17 boys’ teams are to playoff for qualification to the FIBA Under 17 World Cup.

Following the cancellation of the FIBA Under 16 Championships, FIBA resorted to reviewing the junior World Rankings, which saw Japan and New Zealand sitting 27^th equal in Asia. The top four teams in Asia qualify for the World Cup, with Australia (#11), China (#14) and Korea (#19) advancing.

Japan and New Zealand will play each other in a neutral location and date yet to be decided.

More in the FIBA release here: http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2020/news/draw-set-for-fiba-u17-basketball-world-cup-2020

Last night FIBA released a statement advising a number of events have been cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 virus, which included the cancellation of the FIBA U16 Asian Championships.

Boys’ and girls’ New Zealand representative teams were scheduled to compete at these events, in attempt to finish within the top four teams in Asia to qualify for the FIBA U17 World Cup later this year.

Due to the cancellation of the U16 Asian Champs, FIBA have resorted to updating the World Rankings overnight to decide which top four teams in Asia will qualify for the World Cups.

Unfortunately the New Zealand girls team was ranked sixth in Asia, one place behind Chinese Taipei. This means they will not proceed to the U17 World Cup this year. The girls’ FIBA U17 World Cup draw has been released overnight.

The boys ranking points sees New Zealand equal with Japan at 27 in the world. This means they are in contention for the final spot at the World Cup. FIBA are yet to state which of these teams will qualify, but Basketball New Zealand is set to discuss this situation in a meeting with FIBA and the Japanese Basketball Federation this evening.

Player welfare and safety for our teams remains our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from health experts and FIBA.

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.

Tonight, FIBA has sent out a media release advising of a number of events that have been cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 virus.

The tournaments that effect our New Zealand teams include the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the FIBA U16 Aisan Championships.

Basketball New Zealand will continue communicating with FIBA and we are awaiting further information about what the qualification process might be from here, if our teams are to compete for a spot in the U17 World Cup and the 3×3 event at the Olympics.

Player welfare and safety for our teams remains our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from health experts and FIBA.

Read the full FIBA media release here: http://www.fiba.basketball/news/changes-made-to-several-fiba-events-due-to-covid-19-virus