Keeping our football community safe is our main priority, and we're asking everyone in our game to follow official advice around travel and self-isolation to make sure we don't contribute to the spread of COVID-19. 

We're monitoring this situation closely and will update this page continually. 

Hygiene for football players

• If you’re sick, don’t come to football 
• Limit physical contact like shaking hands. Greet teammates and opponents with ankle and elbow bumps, or an East Coast wave instead 
• Irrespective of COVID-19, water bottles shouldn’t be shared. All players should have their own 
• Don’t share drinks, towels, lip balm or sunscreen, bring your own

Advice for clubs and organisations

• If anyone associated with your club or organisation is feeling unwell, they should immediately self-isolate, refrain from all football activities straight away and seek medical advice by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116
• Consider whether tournaments or events that may attract large crowds can be delayed or canceled
• Place signs around your club reminding your members about the risks posed by COVID-19 and encouraging basic hygiene 
• Place hand sanitizers around changing and club rooms, and encourage people to use them
• Ensure player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents, and consider cleaning them more regularly
• Work with other clubs that share facilities, if appropriate, to ensure a consistent approach

General hygiene 

• Wash (and then dry) your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol‐based hand sanitizer
• Wash or sanitize your hands before eating
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick
• Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze

Where to get information 

New Zealand Football will continue to take advice from the NZ Government and Ministry of Health. 

•    NZ Government information hub - including health and travel advice 
•    Current advice for public events and mass gatherings – from the Ministry of Health 

Article added: Monday 16 March 2020