Covirus 19 coronavirus: Community sport is only allowed at Alert Level 2 with 10 or fewer people

Community sport may return when the country goes to Covid-19 alert level 2 on Thursday, but only if 10 or fewer people participate.

Sport New Zealand updated its guidelines on community sports to match government restrictions of a maximum of 10 people for home gatherings, which will restrict many team sports such as soccer, rugby and netball.

Beginning Thursday, sports may train and play subject to the combined number of players, coaches, and / or officials not exceeding 10 and the appropriate physical distance guidelines are followed.

The 10 person restriction also applies to things like funerals and weddings. The meeting restriction will be reviewed on May 25.

“When possible, we encourage sports and teams to take time to see how they can effectively operate within the 10-person limit and adhere to public guidelines on hygiene, contract tracking, physical distancing, and meetings.” Sport NZ chief executive Peter said Miskimmin.

“It is important for everyone to be patient, as this will help keep New Zealanders safe. We do not want sport to be the reason we are falling back on alert levels.”

Sport NZ advised that for many sports, this is now in a “prep” phase where they will put in place what it takes to start safely. As training numbers can increase, sports will enter a “play-ready” phase to prepare athletes to compete.

“We have worked closely with the major winter codes on how and when their seasons can best start, and what has become clear from those discussions is the importance of having an early stage of preparation before the game begins,” Miskimmin said.

“We anticipate that it is possible that competitions may begin around May 30, subject to continued containment of Covid-19 in New Zealand and the advice of the Director General of Health. Some sports may choose to take longer to start competitions depending on in your specific circumstances. “

On the other hand, professional sports will return to level 2, and both NZ Rugby and Netball NZ will announce competitions starting in June.

The 10 person restriction does not apply to professional sport as it is considered a workplace rather than a social gathering.