CHANGES TO 2020 BASKETBALL NEW ZEALAND CALENDAR

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.