The Zespri AIMS Games are an auahi kore / smokefree event. This means that ALL events at ALL the locations are smoke and vape free. Please help to make this a whānau-friendly event by not smoking around our children and young people, and by making others aware of the smokefree status. For more information go to Smokefree NZ.

Leading up to the tournament, the AIMS Games Trust recommend that coaches and parents manage the increased training time. ACC endorsed guidelines recommend limiting structured training and competition (across all sports a child does) so that the maximum hours does not exceed the child’s age in years (e.g., a 12-year-old should not be training more than 12 hours a week). We recommend coaches check in with parents about other sport training/ games their children are doing.

During the tournament, the AIMS Games Trust recommend a maximum of 90 minutes play time per day for a student of this age, including warmups. The tournament draws will reinforce this time limit where possible. Coaches and Managers must ensure they bring a sufficient squad to enable player rotation to avoid player fatigue and injury.

All parents/caregivers must complete their child’s medical and media waiver forms on our website by the due date. All participants at the 2024 Zespri AIMS Games must have this documentation completed to be eligible to compete. This information is to assist us in case of any eventuality and is treated in a confidential manner. All information collected will be used and stored in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. 

Due to the number of students competing in the Zespri AIMS Games, it is strongly recommended that any student who is or becomes unwell during the tournament, removes themselves from all Zespri AIMS Games organised events.

As the well-being of all participants in the Zespri AIMS Games is the priority of all sponsors and organisers, the Zespri AIMS Games reserves the right to prevent any student from competing in any Zespri AIMS Games event if, in the opinion of any medical provider or the tournament director, the student is deemed to be medically unfit to compete.

This includes any student who exhibits flu-like symptoms (including but not limited to symptoms associated with the Coronavirus and measles) including fever and respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The AIMS Games Trust accepts no liability whatsoever (including tortious liability) for any losses or damages arising out of a medical event, including any necessary cancellations that arise as a result.

The Zespri AIMS Games Executive Committee has formulated wet weather procedures to detail what will happen in the eventuality of adverse weather conditions during Tournament week.

In the event of light or intermittent rain before and during matches, play will continue as normal. However, in the event of heavy continuous rain the code coordinators reserve the right to postpone, delay or abandon any fixture.

In the event of lightning, play will be immediately stopped at all venues for the duration of that storm.

All participating teams must supply the event organisers with a reliable contact mobile phone number for a member of the team management.

The safety of the competitors is of the upmost concern to the organisers.

St John provides excellent service throughout the Zespri AIMS Games week.

The St John First Aid Post is stationed at Blake Park as well as having a presence at Waipuna Park, Mercury Baypark, Tauranga BMX Track (Cambridge Park), Summerhill Mountain Bike Park, McLarens Falls Park and Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Body in Motion Physiotherapists are onsite at the Zespri AIMS Games for competitors across all codes.

Onsite clinics will be based at Waipuna Park, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Mercury Baypark and Blake Park.

It is essential that team management ensure that competitors are not placed at risk and are properly hydrated before participating in physical activity.

Key messages:

• Thirst is a poor indicator of fluid need

• Hydrate before, during and after play

Sports drinks – all you need to know:

• Most people do not exercise enough to burn the energy in one sports drink, or need to replace lost electrolytes.

• Water is the best choice before, during and after most physical activity. And tap water is free!

• Many sports drinks contain sugar and energy similar to other sugar-sweetened drinks, so they can cause weight gain and tooth decay.

• For more information, download the factsheet here

Be SunSmart during September to April, especially between 10.00am and 4.00pm when the sun’s UV rays are most fierce.

Slip – into a long-sleeved shirt with a collar and under the shade of a tree or umbrella.

Slop – on plenty of sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors. Use broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30+ and reapply every two hours or after being in water or sweating.

Slap – on a hat with a wide brim or a cap with flaps.

Wrap – on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

For more information on how you can protect yourself in the sun go to www.sunsmart.org.nz

An earthquake is the first warning that a tsunami might be on the way. Do not wait for official warnings to evacuate.

All of the tsunami evacuation maps, common questions etc can be found and downloaded here – Civil Defence Tsunami Management

Road safety

We want all attendees to be safe as pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, or drivers at the Zespri AIMS Games.

• Have a backup driver if you’re feeling too tired to drive.

• Don’t let kids distract you when you’re driving.

• There’s lots of extra traffic on the roads in the Tauranga region with the Zespri AIMS Games in town and many who are new to the roading layout – keep alert!

• Allow extra time to get to your destinations

• AA safer driver tips – https://www.aa.co.nz/about/safety-on-the-roads/

Concussion is a frequent concern for those playing sport, from children and teenagers to professional athletes.

A concussion is a brain injury that can occur in any sport, you don’t have to be knocked or even be hit on the head directly to be concussed.

Learn to recognise the signs and what to do (the 3R’s of concussion):

• Recognise the signs and symptoms.

• Remove from play.

• Refer to a doctor.

Find more information – HERE

Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa beaches are not patrolled during the week of the Zespri AIMS Games. September is the coldest month with a sea temperature of only 14 degrees.

If you do venture in to the water there are some key surf safety messages:

• Never surf or swim alone.

• If in doubt, stay out.

• Know your limits.

Should you witness someone get into difficulty, dial 111.

Please ensure all personal items and items of value are secure at all times. The organisers take no responsibility for loss or damage to valuables or clothing.