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Phillip Rollo / Stuff
A sign suggesting it is the home changing rooms of Manchester United is on display at Motueka AFC’s home ground, Goodman’s Reserve.
New Zealand’s national game will not be permitted when the country moves into Alert Level 2 on Thursday.
Sport NZ has updated its guidelines for team sport’s resumption to include a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.
That update will prevent winter codes rugby, netball and football from playing competitive fixtures at an amateur level but training in small groups will be allowed.
The decision will be reviewed on May 25.
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Funerals, tangihanga and weddings will only be allowed to have 10 people at alert level 2.
“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,” Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin said.
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“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.”
From Thursday sports will be allowed to train and play subject to the combined number of players, coaches and officials not exceeding 10 people, Miskimmin said.
“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.
“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. “
Miskimmin said professional sports teams are not covered by this guidance and are instead being treated in line with guidance on workplaces.
