An important update concerning the use of Covid Passports for NZCPA competitions. This is from the recent NZCPA board meeting:

“The Board resolves in principle that all Association and inter-club competitions use vaccine certificates when the Government’s COVID-19 Protection Framework (“traffic light system”) is introduced. This will require all participants (including coaches, managers, other team associates, spectators and competition organisers) to produce a valid COVID-19 certificate in order to participate in an event.

Club and Regional bodies are also encouraged to use vaccine certificates for local events, but may run as the club/regional body deems appropriate in accordance with Government requirements.

The above resolution is made with regard to Government advice and aims to ensure a higher degree of certainty with Association and inter-club competitions, reduce pressures on competition organisers, and to protect the welfare of participants.

The Board further encourages all Association members to become vaccinated if they are eligible.“

The key points here is that currently we are waiting for the government and Sport New Zealand to roll-out all the support material associated with this. For example:

• National implementation of the COVID-19 Protection Framework (“traffic light system”).
• Vaccine certificates (and age groups these apply too).
• Apps and readers to manage Vaccine certificates for events.
• Clear instructions on how exemptions and exceptions are being administered. It is understood that this will automatically flow into the vaccine certificates (there will be no need for organisers to be involved in this process).
• This only comes into effect once your region goes to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework
• While we wish we could give clubs greater guidance at this stage, we don’t have the ability to do so until we receive further guidance from the appropriate Government bodies.

Please also note that “inter-club competitions” referenced in the board’s decision specifically include the likes of South Island Champs, Atahua, Otaki Quarry comp etc.

Based upon current publicly communicated estimates it is unlikely NZ will be operating under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework when South Island  Champs are being hosted. This will need to operate under level 2 guidelines much like the recent Inter-regional Championship.

If you have any feedback or comments please contact the Executive Director nzcpaexecdirector@gmail.com

Article added: Tuesday 16 November 2021