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.
All Basketball New Zealand COVID-19 updates can be found here.
