1st November 2008

The NZDBA have been progressively working towards standardising events to run to International Standards for Racing under IDBF rules. These include setting up of Regional Clubs and Associations who are embracing the efforts of the NZDBA to offer suitable venues for racing to IDBF standards for NZDBA dragonboat teams, racing 250m, 500m, 1000 and 2000m races where appropriate.

Sanctioned events are major Championship dragon boat regatta using IDBF-specification boats, comprising full crews of 20 paddlers, drummer and sweep, not including Super 12 or regattas run as fun events that do not have 20 man crews for racing or run a race length less than 500m. Supporting and competing in major regional regatta is a requirement for teams to enter the National Dragon Boat Champs.

Where there is no dragonboat event in a region that a dragonboat crew can enter, teams are encouraged to enter into a sanctioned event closest to their region.

Those organisations that are affiliated members and adhere to, and agree to follow the Rules of the NZDBA are then endorsed and their events are sanctioned under the NZDBA Banner.

NZDBA affiliates play an important role in the development of the sport of dragonboating, increasing participation and offering a wider scope of competitions to people of all ages and cultures. Operating in an open environment dragonboaters will benefit with better value for money.

The NZDBA acknowledge the efforts of all the dragonboat fraternity in New Zealand and Internationally.