Following the move to Alert Level 4 and the ongoing suspension of all football and futsal activity across the country, New Zealand Football has published a range of models outlining the potential impact on its competitions depending on the duration of the lockdown. 

These scenarios dictate what form the upcoming men’s and women’s National League competitions, as well as the yet to be completed Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup, will take, along with the impact on regional seasons. 

New Zealand Football General Manager, Football Daniel Farrow said: 

“When planning the season, we always knew there was a possibility of another lockdown so designed a degree of flexibility into the schedule.

“Whilst we are currently in an uncertain situation, it is important we outline to our clubs and members what the potential impact of different time periods at Alert Level 3 or 4 is. By establishing these models, we it can provide some clarity and allow participants to move quickly when we do return to play.

“Our priority has been ensuring that the maximum number of games can take place whilst making sure that player welfare is fully accounted for.”

All scenarios are based on returning to play at Alert Level 2. If any changes are made to the Alert Level 2 guidance that prohibit playing at this level the scenarios will have to be reviewed. 


Immediate Decisions:

Based on the impact of the lockdown as it currently stands, as well as the need to allow sufficient time for qualification to be completed and player welfare concerns, the following decisions have been made:
 

• The women’s National League will now start the weekend of 25/26 September
• The women’s National League will unlikely be able to feature a Grand Final and as such the team that finishes top at the end of the league season will be champions
• The men’s National League championship phase will now start the weekend of 16/17 October 
• The Kate Sheppard Cup Semi-Finals are now schedule for the weekend of 18/19 September with the Grand Final scheduled during the league season
• The Chatham Cup Semi-Finals are now scheduled for the weekend of 25/26 September with the Grand Final not to be scheduled before the weekend of 9/10 October

Milestone 1 – Alert Level 2 or lower from Monday 6 September
 

• The women’s National League will be delayed further and now start the weekend of 9/10 October
• The competition will reduce to a single round robin followed by a top four and bottom floor split with teams playing a mini round followed by a Grand Final on the weekend of 18/19 December featuring the top two teams (10 games plus a Grand Final)
• The men’s National League championship phase will start the weekend of 16/17 October following the completion of the Northern, Central and Southern Leagues starting back 18/19 September (9 games plus a Grand Final)
• Should some regional competitions be able to return to play earlier, this will be managed on a case-by-case basis
• The Kate Sheppard Cup Semi-Finals will be schedule for the weekend of 25/26 September with the Grand Final scheduled following weekend 2/3 October
• The Chatham Cup Semi-Finals will be scheduled for the weekend of 25/26 September with the Grand Final not to be scheduled before the weekend of 9/10 October

Milestone 2 – Alert Level 2 or lower from Monday 13 September
 

• The women’s National League will be delayed further and now start the weekend of 30/31 October
• The competition will reduce to a single round robin followed by a Grand Final on weekend of 18/19 December featuring the top two teams (7 games plus a Grand Final)
• The men’s National League championship phase will start the weekend of 16/17 October following the completion of the Northern, Central and Southern Leagues starting back 25/26 September (9 games plus a Grand Final)
• Should certain regional leagues now not be able to finish, New Zealand Football, in collaboration with federations, will then assess the feasibility of these being completed
• The Kate Sheppard Cup Semi-Finals will be schedule for the weekend of 9/10 October with the Grand Final scheduled following weekend 16/17 October
• The Chatham Cup Semi-Finals will be scheduled for the weekend of 25/26 September with the Grand Final not to be scheduled before the weekend of 9/10 October
   

Article added: Friday 27 August 2021