New Proposed Rules Aim to Ban Year 14s from School Sports Competitions

A controversial practice in New Zealand school sports — allowing students who have completed their 13th year of study (referred to as 'Year 14s') to continue competing — may soon be a thing of the past. School Sport New Zealand (SSNZ) has released draft eligibility rules that propose a blanket ban on Year 14 students participating in SSNZ-sanctioned events.

The proposed changes aim to address longstanding concerns about fairness and integrity in school sports. Critics have long argued that the inclusion of Year 14 students encourages a 'win at all costs' attitude, undermining the educational purpose of school sport.

The issue gained significant attention earlier this year when a group of high school principals successfully pushed for a vote on eligibility rules for the prestigious Maadi Regatta. The vote overwhelmingly supported banning Year 14 rowers from competing in the event. Similar debates have also emerged in rugby circles, with Marlborough Boys' College recently facing criticism for having five Year 14 students on its first XV rugby team.

SSNZ chairperson Tim Grocott, principal of Shirley Boys' High School, emphasized that the new rules are aimed at creating greater integrity, fairness, and consistency across school sports. He stated that at the championship level, a level playing field is essential.

However, the rules do not entirely prevent Year 14 students from participating. Schools may apply for a dispensation if there are 'valid educational grounds' for a student's continued enrollment. This could include cases where a student returns for a year due to personal or academic reasons, such as the current labor market challenges in certain regions.

Marlborough Boys' College principal Jarrod Dunn explained that his school's inclusion of Year 14 students this year was an 'anomaly' due to a larger cohort of students returning for educational reasons, not for competitive advantage.

Alongside the ban on Year 14s, the proposed rules also introduce stricter measures against 'poaching' — the practice of influencing students to transfer schools for sporting purposes. New transfer processes will require statutory declarations from students, their caregivers, and the principal of the new school.

The rules also address the inclusion of home-schooled students in school sports events, though they currently cannot win medals or titles. SSNZ is still considering how to best incorporate home-schooled athletes into competitions.

The consultation period for the draft regulations closes on 12 September, and the final rules are expected to take effect from 1 January 2026.

SSNZ chief executive Mike Summerell emphasized the importance of school feedback in shaping the final regulations, stating that input from schools will be critical in ensuring the rules are both fair and practical.

As the debate over the new rules continues, many stakeholders are watching closely to see how the changes will affect the future of school sports in New Zealand.