Covid-19 Update: 1 September

Dear Badminton Stakeholders

I hope you are well and staying safe – it is great to see all of New Zealand now in Alert Level 2.

We wanted to touch base as there are badminton events and competitions coming up in September / October and we want to provide as much information as we can. We also want to ensure that if these events can go ahead, that they do so safely and in full compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions from the NZ Government.

A reminder that there are added restrictions for the Auckland region in Level 2 and that the New Zealand Government will review the current Alert Levels again before Sunday 6^th September. We expect that an update will be provided Friday 4^th September.

Badminton New Zealand believe that if badminton programmes, competitions and events can be played within the guidelines and requirements of the NZ COVID-19 Alert Levels, then they should be held. We do respect any individual, team, group or association that does not want to participate and we will continue to provide refunds and as much flexibility as possible.

This has the following impacts to Badminton New Zealand initiatives:

• Badminton New Zealand is currently revising our operational guidelines at Alert Level 2. We’ll be in touch once these have been completed.

• The Central Region Veterans Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 5^th and 6^th September 2020 will proceed with no changes.

• The Central Region Senior Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 12^th and 13^th September 2020 will proceed with no changes.

• The Northern Region Senior Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 12^th and 13^th September 2020 will proceed if the Alert Level 2 restrictions in Auckland move to allow mass gatherings of up to 100 people. We hope to have an update on this by the 4^th September.

• The Central Region Super Veterans Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 19^th and 20^th September 2020 will proceed with no changes.

• The Northern Region Super Veterans Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 19^th and 20^th September 2020 will proceed if the Alert Level 2 restrictions in Auckland move to allow mass gatherings of up to 100 people. We hope to have an update on this by the 11^th September.

• The Central Region Masters Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 26^th and 27^th September 2020 will proceed with no changes.

• The Northern Region Masters Inter-Association competition scheduled for the 26^th and 27^th September 2020 will proceed if the Alert Level 2 restrictions in Auckland move to allow mass gatherings of up to 100 people. We hope to have an update on this by the 18^th September.

• Badminton New Zealand will work with all Inter-Association hosts to ensure they understand and can comply with the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Venues that cannot comply should not host badminton programmes, events or competitions.

• The National Tertiary Championships is scheduled for the 26^th and 27^th September 2020 and will proceed if the Alert Level 2 restrictions in Auckland move to allow mass gatherings of up to 100 people. Badminton New Zealand will make all event decisions in partnership with University & Tertiary Sport New Zealand.

• Badminton New Zealand have opened entries for the NZU13, NZU15, NZU17 and NZU19 National Championships please note these important points:
  • These events will go ahead at Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 1 (if mass gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed under these levels)
  • If New Zealand is still in Alert Level 2 with mass gatherings of up to 100 people the age groups will be split into different venues (in the same region) and entries will be limited.
    • NZU13s will be limited to 40 male and 40 female entries on a first in first served basis.
    • NZU15s will be limited to 80 male and 80 female entries on a first in first served basis.
    • NZU17s will be limited to 80 male and 80 female entries on a first in first served basis.
    • NZU19s will be limited to 40 male and 40 female entries on a first in first served basis.
  • Badminton New Zealand will not allow spectators at the venue for these events if the mass gathering limit is 100 people. A limited number of Association representatives will be able to in the venue to support their players.
  • Players will still have the opportunity to compete in all disciplines and the draw and schedule will be completed to ensure maximum mass gathering numbers are not exceeded.
  • The Events Team will be in touch with more information regarding these events.

• Badminton New Zealand strongly recommends that all badminton associations, clubs, facilities, activities, events and competitions follow the Alert Level guidelines. Please contact us if you need any assistance in this area.

• We will monitor the continuation of future events and competitions in accordance with the NZ Government updates and COVID-19 Alert Levels.

Please note that at all times our badminton community should first and foremost follow the requirements and advice of the New Zealand Government, the Ministry of Health and Sport New Zealand. The websites for these organisations are at the bottom of this email.

Our advice remains simple – follow the New Zealand Government and Sport New Zealand guidelines and ensure your community safety is put first. We recommend only continuing to participate and deliver badminton if it can be done safely while meeting all the requirements set out in the guidelines.

Please note that this information can change quickly – so please check our website – www.badminton.org.nz and Facebook page for all the latest updates.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any Badminton New Zealand staff if you have questions, concerns or need help in any way.

I look forward to being in touch.

Many thanks

Joe Hitchcock
Chief Executive
Badminton New Zealand

www.covid19.govt.nz
www.health.govt.nz
www.sportnz.org.nz