After a tremendous amount of work by the NSWTA in conjunction with Port Macquarie Hastings Council and assistance from the Hon Leslie William MLC, the NSWTA State Cup will go ahead, albeit in a far different format than has ever been played before.

The NSW Health Minister, the Hon Brad Hazard, has approved an NSWTA submission for discrete zones at the event. This means there will be four (4) zones across the precinct that can have up to 500 persons at any one time inclusive of participants, officials. While this is a real positive, it still presents several logistical challenges in the delivery to meet both the Public Health Order and conditions of the exemption.

Given the large numbers of participants at the State Cup and the need to adhere to the Public Health Orders and NSW Health exemption and advice, the event WILL be played under the Arrive Play Leave Protocol. It will also be a non-spectator event.

“We’re coming to terms with what will be a different event. However, we are thankful we have been granted the exemption from the government and excited we can continue with the event. Especially so in a year, where a lot of other sports have been forced to cancel their state championships due to COVID-19” stated NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell.

“It is a year like no other, and we as an organisation along with our participants have to pivot to what is the new norm in 2020. There has been and continues to be a lot of planning to go into the event to ensure we are providing a safe approach that meets the NSW Public Health Order and the exemption. Indeed it is this safety planning that formed the bulk of our submission that has been approved.” he added.

Acting Director of Strategy and Growth, Liesa Davies said that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council was very pleased with the news that the NSW State Cup is able to go ahead this year in a COVID-safe manner.

“It has been a challenging year for many in our community.  This includes businesses who receive a boost each December as a result of visitors for the annual State Cup, which is a well-known fixture on our local calendar. We look forward to welcoming players, extend best wishes to locals participating and thank the NSW Touch Association for their ongoing COVID-safe planning efforts to ensure the safety of both participants and our community during the event” said Ms Davies.

The 2020 State Cup will be played from Friday, December 4 through to Sunday, December 6.

All information is available via the STATE CUP WEBSITE