To be considered for classification as a School Sport NZ Pennant Event, the event must:
- be School Sport NZ sanctioned and have appeared in the Championship Section of the School Sport NZ Event Calendar for at least 2 years and
- be a team event open to all secondary schools in NZ, NI or SI as appropriate and
- ensure current School Sport NZ eligibility criteria for school teams are applied and
- have at least 50 schools (NZ) or 20 schools (NI, SI) enter the event at the qualifying phase.
Note: composite school teams are not eligible to win School Sport NZ Pennants