The School Sport NZ eligibility criteria sets out its rules and regulations to ensure that a consistent and level playing field is in place for events on the sanctioned national calendar. They seek to find a balance between the natural movement of families across the country, the educational and holistic decisions made by families in changing schools, and the loading of talened sports students to a single school. However, there will always be circumstaces and scenarios where a student moves school that do not fit neatly within this criteria. School Sport NZ therefore offers two forms of exemption that a school may apply for; A Primary Care Giver Relocation Exemption and a Special Exemption.

Primary Care Giver Relocation Exemption (PCRE)

Where the primary caregiver of a student has changed address and, as a consequence of this relocation, the student could not reasonably have been expected to remain at their previous school, an application for exemption may be submitted. These applications must be submitted to your Regional Sport Director and the application form can be downloaded here

Special Exemption Requests

The School Sport NZ eligibility criteria sets out the conditions for participation in sanctioned events. These can be viewed here. From time to time, and in exceptional circumstances, school principals may apply to SSNZ for an exemption from certain criteria so that a student is not adversely and unfairly excluded from participation in sanctioned events. To do this principals are asked to apply directly to ceo@schoolsportnz.org.nz

Applications received prior the 20th of the month will be reviewed within that calendar month (Except for STW as advised above). In preparing submissions principals are asked to include:

• A signed letter seeking exemption to the appropriate SSNZ bylaw and why this is being sought
• The students ENROL data showing DOB, address, and enrolment history
• Any supporting documentation that is relevant to the application

Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2024