​​Effective from 20 March 2020 Tennis New Zealand and its affiliated Regional bodies have agreed to CANCEL all organised competition until at least 2 May 2020.
Tennis New Zealand and its Regions recommend all Tennis Associations, Affiliates and Clubs adopt this position and CANCEL all organised tennis competitions under their mandate until 2 May 2020. For full details, and up to date information, please visit HERE

​Given the fast-changing situation due to COVID-19, the Tennis Southland Board is advising that all tennis activities associated with Tennis Southland (including Western, Northern, Central, Eastern & Invercargill Clubs and Sub Associations) have been cancelled for the rest of the season. This includes activities such as club and school coaching, interclub & social competitions, tournaments and end of season break ups.
 
In making this decision we have prioritised the players, coaches, volunteers and broader community’s health and wellbeing.  
 
Private coaching and tennis organised outside of the Tennis Southland umbrella is at the discretion of the players and coaches.
 
This is an unprecedented situation with potentially serious consequences if we get it wrong and we would prefer to be cautious during this time of uncertainty. We thank you for your understanding regarding this decision. Further information regarding the TS Awards 2020 will be advised.
 
Stay safe everyone
Chris Withy
Tennis Southland Board Chair

Advice to tennis clubs, coaches and players.

• Racquet bump, instead of shaking hands after a match
• Keep sweat towels in your bag when not using them
• Keep physical distance when instructing students
• Keep hand sanitiser available both on the court and in the club house
• Where hand sanitiser isn't available, wash your hands thoroughly with soap
• Encourage players to use hand sanitiser, especially in group sessions if using shared equipment such as balls, racquets or supplementary lesson aids
• Follow this Ministry of Health advice if you have any gatherings such as tournaments or social nights or fundraisers coming up - 

Upcoming Tournaments and Events
Tennis NZ is following the updates from the Ministry of Health daily, and will advise of any changes to current events. As of today (16th March) there is no change to any scheduled events. If further updates from the Ministry of Health become available, Tennis NZ will review the impacts on scheduled events.

Recommended advice from Sport NZ is as follows:
It is recommended that all individuals and organisations in the play, active recreation and sport sector continue to follow the advice of the Ministry of Health who are able to share the latest information on a range of topics from travel to holding public events and mass gatherings.
Advice to date indicates individuals should be vigilant with personal hygiene and avoid people with cold or flu symptoms. This includes:

• covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, or coughing/sneezing into your elbow
• disposing of used tissues appropriately in a bin
• washing hands with soap and water and drying them thoroughly or using hand sanitiser.

Sport, recreation and play often involves being together in groups or at events. At this stage, the Ministry of Health is not recommending any changed approach to holding events. However if you are an event organiser, you should focus on:

• reminding the public and event workers not to attend if they are feeling unwell
• reminding the public and event workers not to attend if they have been in or transited through hotspots
• ensuring your emergency management plan is up to date
• briefing your event staff on how to practice good hygiene and making it easy for staff and attendees to practice good hygiene.

There is a dedicated Healthline COVID-19 number for those needing further advice and information - 0800 358 5453.
High Performance Sport NZ is also providing information specifically in regards to athletes or related staff travelling overseas to events on its web site.

WHEN: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March
(semis and finals will be played on Sunday)
VENUE:  Waihopai Tennis Club
 EVENTS: Open Mens & Womens
Singles/Doubles/Mixed Doubles
Register online before midnight Wednesday 25 March HERE
Or contact operations@tennissouthland.co.nz

WHEN: Sunday 29th March
 VENUE:  Waihopai Tennis Club, Invercargill
 EVENTS: (40+) Mens & Womens Doubles
Register before midnight Wednesday 25 March
Email operations@tennissouthland.co.nz with Full name/Club/Player Code/Partner Name or
 Enter online HERE