Community sports won't be able to resume when New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 this week.
Sport NZ has confirmed that the 10-person gathering limit applies to all club sport, which will prevent the main winter codes of rugby, netball, and football starting until at least May 30.
"We have worked closely with major winter codes around how and when they are best able to get their seasons underway," says Sport NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin.
"What has come through clearly from those discussions is the importance of having an initial phase of preparation before play can commence."
"We anticipate it being possible for competitions to be able to commence from around May 30, subject to New Zealand’s continued containment of COVID-19 and the advice of the Director-General of Health."
But some sports may be able to return sooner.
From Thursday, sports can train and play, subject to the combined number of players, coaches and/or officials not exceeding 10, and appropriate physical distancing guidelines being observed.
Professional sports teams are not covered by this guidance. They are being treated in line with guidance on workplaces and have indicated that their competitions will commence in June.
"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," Miskimmin adds.
"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."
