The parent federation of GAMMA New Zealand and National Sports Organisation of Mixed Martial Arts in New Zealand, the New Zealand Ju-Jitsu Federation (NZJJF), has released COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines to support a safe return to sport.

The guidelines, which focus on a return to training, have been developed in consultation with member organisations and medical advisors. They are aimed to provide clubs with the information needed to determine whether they are able, and willing to re-open under Alert Level 2 and re-introduce training in a safe environment.

Jesse Puata, NZJJF’s Director of Sport said the priority for mixed martial arts is to ensure that clubs take the time to ensure they understand and can confidently and safely implement Government guidelines.

“We’ve been doing everything we can to provide support to our members and the wider martial arts community by consulting with medical professionals and government bodies to provide clear, coherent and compliant guidelines for clubs to return to training.

We all have a role to play in ensuring we limit the spread of COVID-19 as we return to sport, and these guidelines provide a solid framework for associations and clubs.”

Some of the key points from the policy include:

  • Contact tracing register MUST be in place
  • Remain 2m distance apart if not participating in training activities
  • Personal hygiene and the frequency of cleaning and surfaces and equipment including the use of the appropriate cleaning solution
  • Modified training and technique-specific modifications
  • Each club should have a safety plan in place that is communicated and regularly reviewed

For all information relating to grassroots return to mixed martial arts in New Zealand, click here.

For the full policy developed by the parent federation of GAMMA New Zealand, click here.