Events on the SSNZ Calendar vary in terms of their level of competitiveness. Some could be described as ‘performance’ school sport whereas others, while still being competitive, are more at the participation or development end of the continuum. Applying the full SSNZ sanctioned event and eligibility criteria across all events can have a detrimental effect on both access to and the quality of the experience for schools, sports, and students.

The SSNZ Calendar will be split into three tiers, Championship, Cup, and Carnival Events, effectively reflecting three increasingly formal, competitive levels. NSO’s and other event organisers are required to, in negotiation with SSNZ, determine the tier for each of their events and complete the appropriate sanctioning.   The breakdown below will assist in explaining the criteria for each tier. 
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CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS.

  • Senior and Open NZSS, NISS, SISS or other events at the Premier level of the code.
  • Other grades/levels below Premier may be included as negotiated with School Sport New Zealand™.
  • No Junior events may be included as Championship events.
  • Events generally characterised by senior school athletes and a highly competitive, formal structure.
  • Full School Sport New Zealand™ eligibility criteria apply including New To School limits and regulations regarding Composite teams and Home-Schooled students.

CUP EVENTS.

  • NZSS, NISS, SISS and other events below the Premier level of the code, including Junior events. Premier events may be included as negotiated with School Sport New Zealand™.
  • Events generally characterised by a competitive, formal structure.
  • School Sport New Zealand™ eligibility criteria apply in relation to student eligibility, but the event organiser may apply to modify other criteria in negotiation with School Sport New Zealand™ including New To School limits, Composite teams, and Home-Schooled students.

CARNIVAL EVENTS.

  • Events characterised by less competitive structures.
  • May include multi-code events and modified sports.
  • School Sport New Zealand™ eligibility criteria apply in relation to student eligibility, (age, enrolment status etc), but other criteria may be modified in negotiation with School Sport New Zealand™ including New To School limits, Composite teams, and Home-Schooled students.