COVID-19

UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE AS THEY COME TO HAND

It is so important that everyone follows the Government’s lead during this period. You can visit Unite Against Covid-19 or www.covid19.govt.nz to learn the simple steps you can take to slow the spread.

2022 Updates


APRIL 4, 2022

Updated Guidance for Football and Futsal under the COVID-19 Protection Framework

In light of the Government’s recent update to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, taking effect from 11.59pm 4 April 2022, New Zealand Football has today released updated guidance, developed with Sport NZ and the federations, for delivering football and futsal at the Red, Orange and Green settings.

All community football and futsal activity will continue to be classified as Gatherings and need to follow the Government’s rules for Gatherings. 

After 4 April, all football and futsal competitions, matches and trainings should operate without My Vaccine Pass (MVP) at all levels of the Covid-19 Protection Framework. Vaccination is recommended for participants, but not required. 


MARCH 23, 2022

Statement from New Zealand Football on today's Government announcement: click HERE.

They have also released the following guidance:

New Zealand Football welcomes the Government’s announcement on Wednesday, 23rd March that from 11.59pm on Friday 25 March there will be unlimited numbers for outdoor MVP gatherings, and from 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, there will be no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass.​​​​​​​

This announcement has implications on our guidance developed for delivering football and futsal under the Red, Orange, and Green settings of the Covid-19 Protection Framework.​​​​​​​

All community football and futsal competitions, matches and trainings will continue to be classified as Gatherings and need to follow the Government’s rules for Gatherings.

For all activity taking place between 11.59pm on Friday 25 March and 11:59pm on 4 April, please read the full guidance for football and futsal here:

Read the updated full guidance for delivering football and futsal under Red setting 

For all activity taking place from 11.59pm on Friday 25 March until 4 April:

  • New Zealand Football and federation-run football and futsal competitions and matches should continue to operate as MVP Gatherings. This is to ensure that the game remains compliant with the COVID-19 Protection Framework and can be played in the safest possible environment.
  • There will be no limits for outdoor MVP Gatherings until 11:59pm on 4 April.
  • There will be a 200-person limit for indoor MVP Gatherings until 11:59pm on 4 April.
  • If My Vaccine Passes are not used, the Gathering limits remain unchanged.

New Zealand Football will release updated guidance to reflect these changes on Friday, 25 March. 

For all activity taking place from 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, there will be no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass.

New Zealand Football is working with Sport New Zealand and the federations to develop new guidance for football and futsal that reflects the changes, including how all football and futsal activity can operate with no requirement for My Vaccine Pass at all levels of the Covid-19 Protection Framework. Further updates will be advised in due course.


MARCH 17, 2022

Full guidance for football and futsal at the Orange and Green settings has been released. Click HERE to read.


MARCH 10, 2022

New Zealan Football sent THIS message to its database today.


FEBRUARY 25, 2022

New Zealand Football calls for urgency in aligning school and club sport in the NZ Government Review of the COVID-19 guidelines. Click HERE for more.


FEBRUARY 15, 2022

Click HERE for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, courtesy of NZ Football covering football and futsal at RED..


FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Following last week's guidance provided by NZ Football regarding the delivery of football and futsal competitions, matches and trainings under the Red setting we'd like to provide our community with a brief update. Click HERE for more.


FEBRUARY 3, 2022

New Zealand Football has provided guidance for delivering football and futsal competitions, matches and trainings under the Red setting. 

Please see the full details HERE.


2021 UPDATES


CURRENT GUIDELINES for FOOTBALL and FUTSAL.


DECEMBER 3, 2021

From 3 December 2021, all football and futsal activity will take place under the new Covid Protection Framework. This means that for certain events vaccine certificates will be required to gain access to venues and/or facilities. 

If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine certificate please visit covid19.govt.nz

If you have questions about the requirements at a venue you are attending please contact them in advance to clarify what requirements are in place. 

Read an overview of what football and futsal activity is possible at each stage of the Covid Protection Framework.

New Zealand Football are currently working with Sport New Zealand and our federations on football and futsal specific guidance which should be made available shortly. Read Sport New Zealand’s full Covid Protection Framework guidance at sportnz.org.nz.


DECEMBER 2, 2021

The full COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) guidance for the play, active recreation and sport sector is now available. Click HERE for more.


NOVEMBER 30, 2021

On Thursday 2 December at 11.59pm, all of New Zealand will move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework. While we're still waiting for more detail about what that means for football and futsal, you can familiarise yourself with Sport NZ's current summary HERE.


NOVEMBER 24, 2021

New Zealand will move to the traffic light system at midnight on Thursday December 2, 2021. The traffic light settings for New Zealand will be confirmed on Monday, November 29.

Sport New Zealand is working in conjunction with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to confirm the corresponding settings for sport, recreation and play.

We anticipate we will have some information on what that means for our Futsal leagues very soon. It is very possible that this may involve some checking of vaccination status at venues for those over 12.

As soon as we have clear, accurate information we will let you know more.


NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Parts of the Waikato at Alert Level 3 Step 2 will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm this evening. The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2, except for Auckland.


OCTOBER 19, 2021

Changes to gatherings at Alert Level 2 - HERE

Sport NZ have confirmed gatherings at Alert Level 2 are again restricted to 100 people for indoor or outdoor gatherings with no physical distancing in place allowing contact sport to be played. 


OCTOBER 8, 2021

Changes to gatherings at Alert Level 2 - HERE 

The biggest area of change for sports and recreation activities relates to the relaxation of number limits for gatherings. Previously there was a maximum of 100 people for indoor or outdoor gatherings. 

There are now no restrictions on the number of spectators that can attend a sporting event, for example at a stadium or arena — as long as everyone can safely stay 1 metre apart.  

Alongside this requirement is the advice for participants and spectators that they should:

  • try to keep a 2 metre distance from people they do not know 
  • sign in using the NZ COVID Tracer app, and 
  • wear a face covering whenever possible (it is not a requirement to wear a face covering when exercising or participating in sporting activities).


SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Football and Futsal at Alert Level 2

Here are NZ Football's latest guidelines for FOOTBALL and FUTSAL for Alert 2, which begins for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty at 11.59pm today. Click HERE to find out our current plans for senior, youth and junior football for the remainder of the season.


SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

Following the government announcement regarding a move to Covid-19 Alert Level 3, and under the assumption Level 3 lasts one week, WaiBOP Football is now able to share our potential plans for the remainder of the season.

Click HERE to find out our plans for senior, youth and junior football.


AUGUST 31, 2021

Update from NZ Football

New Zealand Football can confirm that all football and futsal will again be suspend this weekend (4/5 September). However, following the government announcement that from 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August parts of the country will move to Alert Level 3, there is optimism that some activity many potentially be able to return soon.

With all activity currently suspended, New Zealand Football recently issued guidance on the likely impact to current competitions, outlining a number of scenarios depending on the length of the lockdown. With parts of the country set to begin moving down Alert Levels this week, this guidance will be reviewed to see when and what activity can potentially begin once regions are at Alert Level 2. 

Ahead of any return to play, New Zealand Football will be issuing updated Alert Level guidance to make sure clubs and participants are taking the relevant safety measures.


AUGUST 24, 2021

Some updates regarding specific events across the WaiBOP region:

  • The Miller Cup was scheduled to be played as a one day tournament hosted by Otumoetai AFC this Saturday (August 28). At this stage the event is postponed, and we will be working towards the possibility of hosting it at some stage later in the year.
  • The 12th Grade Development League Crossover Festival due to be held at Puarenga Park, Rotorua on Sunday August 29 is cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
  • Craigs Investment Partners Rotorua Junior Football Festival, Craigs Investment Partners Waikato Junior 5-a-side and Weir Rose Bowl As these are 3-5 weeks away we are still working under the possibility we will be at an Alert Level that will enable us to hold these events. We will keep those who have entered updated with any developments.
  • Senior, Junior and Youth Leagues We will provide further updates on how Junior, Youth and Senior Football will look for the remainder of the season once we receive further updates on Friday. We will be in contact with clubs and schools regarding these decisions.

Further announcements will be made when we know more, including when the lockdown levels change.


AUGUST 23, 2021

Following the government’s decision to extend Alert Level 4, we can confirm that all football and futsal across the country will continue to be suspended this weekend, August 28/29. Click HERE for more.


AUGUST 18, 2021

All competitions and community football & futsal suspended this weekend

Following the government’s move to Alert Level 4 last night after a community case of COVID-19 was discovered, we can confirm that all community football and futsal is suspended this weekend (August 21/22, 2021).

Find out more HERE.


AUGUST 17, 2021

New Zealand is now at Lockdown Level 4. Click HERE for more.



2020 UPDATES


AUGUST 18, 2020

Football this weekend (Aug 22/23). Click HERE for more.


AUGUST 13, 2020

Football this weekend (Aug 15/16). Click HERE for more.


AUGUST 12, 2020

Return to Covid Level 2. Click HERE for more.


JUNE 8, 2020

At 11:59pm on June 8 2020, New Zealand moves to Alert Level 1. Click HERE to find out what it means for football and futsal.


MAY 26, 2020

NZ Football have released guidance for football's return to play. Click HERE for more. 


MAY 20, 2020

We're getting closer to the start of the 2020 football season. Subject to the range of public health measures outlined HERE, play, active recreation and sport can resume under Level 2. Obviously, there are restrictions around what's currently possible. Click HERE for more, including detailed Contact Tracing information.


MAY 18, 2020

Subject to the range of public health measures outlined HERE, play, active recreation and sport can resume under Level 2.


MAY 13, 2020

NZ Football has released the requirements for training to be able to take place at all levels of football across New Zealand. Click HERE for the full guidelines. 


MAY 11, 2020

Following today's announcement by government to move to Alert Level 2 on Thursday May 14, we'd like to remind everyone that NZ Football and the Federations will be publishing Return To Football Activity guidelines in the coming days. [See May 8 update below.]

This will provide more detail on community football returning, including measures around contact tracing and use of club facilities. Please be patient as we continue to work through these issues.

In the meantime, please follow all Covid-19 guidelines. For more information, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/


MAY 8, 2020

NZ Football has provided an update (HERE) on what Alert Level 2 will mean for football. 


MAY 7, 2020

Sport NZ announces further $25 million short-term relief package - primary focus on clubs and regional organisations. More HERE.

Play, active recreation and sport at Alert Level 2

Most recreation and sport is set to gradually re-start in alert level 2, but with firm measures in place to ensure the health and safety of participants, volunteers and supporters. 

It will take some time before sporting life in New Zealand returns to normal, so expect to be training before you get back to competing. It’s important we all play by the rules to prevent another wave of COVID-19 cases. The new Government guidelines have now been published HERE. 

But remember, we are still in Alert Level 3, so stay home and safely active until further notice.


APRIL 21, 2020

Click HERE for the latest update from WaiBOP's CE, Karyn Walters.


APRIL 9, 2020

New Zealand Football and the seven Federations have announced that the community football postponement has been extended until at least Queen’s Birthday Weekend (Saturday 30 May 2020), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More HERE.


APRIL 3, 2020

Click HERE for the latest update from WaiBOP's CE, Karyn Walters.


MARCH 31, 2020

We are currently experiencing a very testing time with COVID-19 and we will all react in different ways to this rapidly changing way we; work, play, exercise, socialise and live, as we navigate through this.  Each of us needs to look at how we are going to look after our own hauora (wellbeing) and that of our whanau or housemates within our current bubble, as we get through this together.

Click HERE for some excellent information from NZ Football and the Fit4Football team.


MARCH 24, 2020

Read this message from WaiBOP CE, Karyn Walters.


MARCH 18, 2020 (3.30PM)

Further to today’s message from NZ Football, WaiBOP Football would like to provide more detail to assist the sport’s stakeholders across our region.

  • Community football means everything except National leagues and Cup competitions 
  • Registration: If you or any of your family member(s) intend to play football this season, but have yet to register for your local club, we recommend you proceed with your registration.
    • This will help your local club administrators prepare for the season ahead as they still need to organise and enter teams.
    • If you register too late you or your family member(s) may run the risk of missing out in a place in a team.
  • WaiBOP leagues & programmes: All futsal, coach education and skills centres are cancelled until May 2. These include:
  • Football: the start of the region’s senior and youth football leagues has been postponed until May 2.
    • We are looking at alternative playing formats for leagues, particularly seniors and youth, and will update clubs as we have that information.
    • Currently, Junior football is scheduled to begin no earlier than May 2.
    • We believe if we did start on May 2 we could complete the leagues. However, we are also investigating restructured options and formats that could work should there be a further delay.
  • Training: It is a recommendation that all training should be suspended until 18 April, or two weeks prior to the start of the season.
    • We realise, however, that this is ultimately a club/team decision. If your club, or any of your teams, wish to continue training during this period then we expect the participants to practice good hygiene as per the recommendations from the Ministry of Health. This includes: 
      • Non-contact sessions.
      • Participants to bring their own drink bottle, that is regularly cleaned.
      • Participants to use separate bibs, that are washed after each session.
      • Soap and/or hand-sanitiser is available for participants to wash their hands.
      • If anyone associated with your club or organisation is feeling unwell, they should immediately self-isolate, refrain from all football activities straight away and seek medical advice by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116.   
  • Clubs should be clear about their refund policy.
  • For information on Waikato Secondary Schools competitions, due to start on May 2, you should visit: http://www.wssfa.nz/.
  • We are checking in regularly with the other sports codes, NZ Football, other Federations and Health authorities and will keep you informed.

 Further updates will be posted on this page.


MARCH 18, 2020 (12.40PM)

All community football postponed until 2 May 

Out of concern for our community’s health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the community football season has been postponed until 2 May.   

This difficult decision has been reached by NZ Football in agreement with the seven Federations, to help prevent community spread of COVID-19.  

Measures being taken include: 

  • Community football, including junior, youth, senior, social and regional competitions – all play postponed until 2 May. 
  • Community futsal including junior, youth, senior and social competitions - all play postponed until May 2nd. The 2020 Secondary Schools Futsal Championships set for late March has been cancelled. Tertiary Futsal championships are postponed until a date to be confirmed, and all other competitions are being reviewed. 
  • Workshops and courses- including coaching and refereeing courses postponed until after 2 May. 
  •  Meetings – all federation meetings postponed until further notice. 

All training should be suspended until 18 April, or two weeks prior to the start of the season. 

Recommendations around safe practice will be continue to be updated, aligning with Ministry of Health guidelines.   

NZ Football updates will be posted at https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/covid19

WaiBOP Football will discuss the local implications and will communicate further in due course. Updates will be posted at http://www.waibopfootball.co.nz/ABOUT/COVID19


MARCH 17, 2020 (12.45PM)

In addition to the information already published please see the notes below:  

  • Participants, players, coaches, officials, volunteers and their families’ health is the main priority for all football decisions during the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation.
  • WaiBOP Football is working with New Zealand Football to monitor this fast-developing situation and is awaiting more information from the government's response to mass gatherings on Tuesday, in particular around community sport. 
  • New Zealand Football is in discussions today with the other major winter codes regarding a potential collective response. 
  • New Zealand Football and the seven federations will meet on Wednesday morning to review all information available at this time and collectively agree an appropriate course of action for community football. We will provide further information as soon as possible thereafter.


MARCH 16, 2020 (12.15PM)

Our community’s health comes first in football decisions  

Participants, players, coaches, officials, volunteers and their families’ health is the main priority for all football decisions during the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation.   

It’s vital the football community adheres to measures regarding travel and self-isolation put in place by the New Zealand Government, and doesn’t contribute to any further spread of COVD19. Please help ensure your club and organisation’s members do the same. 

We are monitoring this fast-developing situation closely, and will keep you updated.  

We encourage everyone to follow official advice around handwashing and other hygiene measures. We have published information on hygiene for footballers on nzfootball.co.nz/covid19, which will be updated as the situation changes.  

Community football 

  • We expect advice from the NZ Government on mass gatherings this week, and will update you immediately on the impact 
  • Until then, community level football should proceed, based on current government advice  
  • Football tournament organisers should ensure their cancellation policies and contingency plans are in place, and clearly communicated to participants prior to the event  
  • Individual organisations, clubs and players can elect not to participate in any activity at their personal discretion 

Advice for clubs and organisations 

  • If anyone associated with your club or organisation is feeling unwell, they should immediately self-isolate, refrain from all football activities straight away and seek medical advice by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116 
  • Consider whether tournaments or events that may attract large crowds can be delayed or cancelled 
  • Place signs around your club reminding your members about the risks posed by COVID-19 and encouraging basic hygiene 
  • Place hand sanitizers around changing and club rooms, and encourage people to use them 
  • Ensure player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents, and consider cleaning them more regularly 
  • Work with other clubs that share facilities, if appropriate, to ensure a consistent approach  

Where to get information  

We will continue to take advice from the NZ Government and Ministry of Health.  

 
From NZ Football