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, and to remember:
- 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).
In 2014, Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) advised that from 2015 onward, there would be three regional under 13 championship events (made up by two zones each) – Northern (North & Mid-North Zones), Central (Central & Capital Zones) and Southern (Mainland & Southern).
BBNZ Internal Regulations 2008 Volume 1 Page 32; 10.5.2:
(a) Boys will use the size-6 ball
(b) Girls will use the size-5 ball
(c) The use of zone defenses is banned
In 2013 the 3 point line was introduced back into the U13 National Championships.
In 2014 BBNZ introduced into the U13 National Championships, 8 minute stop clock quarters instead of 10 minute stop clock quarter.
Players that competed at the Under 15 National Championships are NOT eligible to play in the Under 13 Regional Championships as per the limitation on multiple championship participation.
Players must be aged 10, 11, or 12 years by 31st December of the year in which the competition is held.
Each team must supply a referee, this appointed person cannot hold a position in the team (coach, manager etc), ‘No referee no play’. Please ensure you have your referees name, email address and mobile when registering your team.
Associations are encouraged not to enter zone teams and special loan players.
Mouthguards are compulsory.
Contact email: tournaments@nz.basketball | phone: (04) 498 5950
