The Covid 19 testing station at Kahukura Rugby Club this morning.
When sporting organisations throughout the Bay of Plenty learned they were heading back into Alert Level 2, they quickly set about making the necessary adjustments.
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland would move to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand to Level 2 afterthree new community Covid cases were discovered in Auckland.
For some Bay of Plenty sports, this means carrying on with training and competitions but at the same time following Ministry of Health guidelines around contact tracing and hygiene, and ensuring there were no gatherings of more than 100 people.
For those unable to restrict gatherings to fewer than 100 people it means cancellations or postponements.
One of those unable to go ahead as planned is Lake City Athletics junior programme, set to be held tonight.
Children's convenor Kelly Albrecht said with 450 children signed up, it was not possible to adhere to the mass gathering guidelines.
"We did discuss trying to somehow break it down into smaller groups but it's just way too much to try and organise at short notice," she said.
"At the end of the day, safety is most important. It's disappointing but it is what it is. I think what's more disappointing is it would've been the first one of the year - last Monday was Waitangi Day, the one before was Auckland Anniversary.
"I know there are a few disappointed kids out there. We're crossing our fingers it can go ahead next week."
The Lake City Athletic Club has been affected by the move to Alert Level 2. Photo / Mark Smith
Bay of Plenty rugby union community rugby manager Pat Rae said the positive side of going into Alert Level 2 again was the union and clubs were well equipped to make adjustments.
At this time of year the main activity for rugby clubs is senior pre-season training, which will still go ahead within the guidelines.
"It's what we were doing as we came back down the alert levels last year," he said.
"I take my hat off to the clubs and what they did last year, especially in the junior space, to keep rugby going. They did a really good job managing gatherings and contact tracing.
"They've still got those systems in place. I don't think there's much stress or anxiety, the clubs have been here before and done it. So long as we stay in Level 2, we'll be right."
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union community rugby manager Pat Rae says the union is following the Government's lead and taking a cautious approach in Alert Level 2. Photo / File
The next round of the New Zealand Motocross Championship, due to be held in Rotorua this weekend, is up in the air following the announcement.
A statement from Motorcycling NZ said it would be monitoring the situation over the next two days and make an announcement after Wednesday.
"At all times the welfare of members, clubs, staff and volunteers are paramount in the minds of MNZ."
Sport Bay of Plenty sport manager Nick Chambers said, like everyone in New Zealand, the Bay of Plenty sporting community had a role to play in minimising the risk of transmission of the virus.
"Sport can continue, but it requires some adaptations such as limiting gatherings to less than 100 people, as well as good contact tracing and hygiene measures," he said.
"We've had practice at this, and sporting organisations have worked hard to make sure they can adapt to alert level changes.
"Regional sports organisations, under guidance from their national governing bodies, helped clubs put together Covid-19 plans for Alert Level 2. These plans were activated back in August 2020 and the local community sport sector has shown its capability in adapting and playing its part to keep the community safe."
Chambers said Sport BOP had two full-time community sport advisers who were in regular contact with local clubs to offer assistance where needed.
"It's important to note, though, that national sporting organisations advise their respective sport on any specific operating guidelines within alert level parameters that are relevant to their sport.
"No doubt there's a sense of 'not again' for local sporting organisations with this change in alert level, but we've proven before what's possible when we all work together and play our part.
"If any Bay of Plenty sports clubs or organisations have any questions or need some support then we encourage them to reach out to us, or their regional or national sporting organisation."
Further guidelines and information can be found at www.sportnz.org.nz/covid-19-response/alert-level-information.
