School Sport NZ reviews it's eligibility regulations bi-annually and invites submissions from member schools and its sport partners. Submissions opened in October 2023 and closed on 16 February 2024.
We were pleased to receive thoughtful and detailed submissions from six schools, and we wish to thank them. There were also some eligibility issues arising out of the summer tournament week. The submissions and recent examples highlight a number of issues, some of which have been under discussion for many years, including suggestions to:
As previously advised, it was envisaged that the submissions would be considered and incorporated into a wholesale review of the Eligibility Rules, which is underway, with the intention they would be approved this year to come into effect on 1 January 2025.
However, the Board has decided to adjust the timing of the Eligibility Rules due to other related work it has been undertaking. This includes its reviews of the School Sport NZ:
As a result of all of this work, the Board has decided to adjust the timeline for addressing the eligibility rules, otherwise there will need to be a subsequent round of changes to them after the constitution is adopted. For example, if we change the membership structure of SSNZ, this could affect who the eligibility rules apply to. Similarly, if the governance and decision-making structure change, this could affect the process by which PCRE and special exemptions (and appeals from them) operate.
SSNZ is being supported by Sport NZ with this work which forms part of our Strengthen and Adapt plan. The Board has therefore approved the following revised timing for this work:
2024
May to July – Board considers governance/decision making review and membership review outcomes to agree principles to inform drafting of a new Constitution.
July to October - consultation with Schools on draft Constitution and adjustments from the feedback made.
November – Board vote on new Constitution and if approved, re-register SSNZ in compliance with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
2025
January/ February – Board considers principles for eligibility (including reviewing submissions from 2024) to inform drafting of new Eligibility Rules
March / April – consultation with Schools on draft Eligibility Rules
May – Board vote on new Eligibility Rules , to come into effect 1 January 2026
June- December – Board considers regulations for complaints, disputes and integrity structure.
It is vital that both schools and sport partners engage with SSNZ throughout this process and we look forward to your involvemnet. If you have any further questions please contact the CEO SSNZ - ceo@schoolsportnz.org.nz
Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2024
School Sport New Zealand
PO Box 621, Taranaki Mail Centre
New Plymouth 4310
office@schoolsportnz.org.nz