Global Games

Creating a positive experience for every child: This is our core mission at all our festivals, where the interests of the children always come first. We have a well-structured framework in place to ensure that, regardless of skill level, every team has the chance to enjoy the Global Games to the fullest and have an unforgettable experience. Over the weekend, every team will play multiple games against teams from different regions.

We empower young people in a unified and inspiring way, regardless of their sporting abilities or backgrounds. The Global Games experience extends beyond the field, fostering personal growth, resilience, and confidence. There are countless stories from clubs about the transformative impact our festivals have had on their young players, from boosting self-belief to improving teamwork and leadership skills. For many participants, this is their first opportunity to travel beyond their home regions, broadening their horizons and giving them the chance to interact with other teams and cultures. Through these experiences, they gain valuable life skills such as independence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. We are proud to provide an environment where young people can form lifelong friendships, celebrate their individuality, and return home not only as better players but as more empowered individuals ready to take on the world.

Sportsmanship is at the heart of every Global Games festival, and not only during matches. To foster connections and camaraderie, teams attending are buddied with another team from outside their region before the big weekend and encouraged to connect beforehand. During the festival, they have the opportunity to meet in person, cheer for each other, and build friendships beyond the field. Global Games has also implemented a world-class points system that rewards good sportsmanship and discourages negative behaviour, both on and off the field. This initiative has significantly reduced sideline tension, creating a more positive and vibrant atmosphere at our events. The bonds formed through these efforts often extend beyond the festival, with teams staying in touch and reconnecting long after the final whistle has blown.

Global Games is dedicated to using practical tools and methodologies rooted in the three dimensions of sustainable development: social, environmental, and economic. We recognise that the "great time we have had today" should not leave behind problems for tomorrow. That’s why we actively worked towards hosting all our events as waste-free by 2025, in partnership with WOW (Without Waste). Together, we are committed to setting a standard for sustainability, inspiring responsible waste practices, and shaping a greener future for the next generations.

At Global Games, we provide a platform where young players can showcase their skills, learn from others, and enjoy sport in its purest form. More than just events, the Global Games festivals are about fostering mutual respect, personal integrity, and lifelong friendships among participants from all backgrounds.

We are committed to offering junior players the chance to compete against teams from across New Zealand and around the world in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Our core values—sportsmanship, enjoyment, and friendship—are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every player, regardless of skill level or club/school affiliation, has the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with their teammates while on tour.

Touring and competing against teams from different regions and countries is an incredibly rewarding experience for young players, and one we work hard to promote.

The Global Games is a celebration of community and sport, where young players, with the support of their management and families, can challenge themselves while fostering a love of the game and making lifelong memories with their mates on tour.

As organisers, it is our duty to uphold the festival’s culture and protect the experience for all involved. We are unwavering in our commitment to these values and will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines them.

To ensure a positive experience for every participant, team management must take full responsibility for sideline conduct. Supporters who detract from the festival’s spirit should not attend. Any team displaying poor sideline behaviour will be ineligible for awards, and their club may face exclusion from future events.

Above all, this festival is about fun. These are young players embracing the game, not professionals competing in the Olympics. Referees are human, and respect must be shown at all times. By working together, we can cultivate a supportive and enjoyable environment where our young people thrive and leave with unforgettable memories.

The safety and well-being of all participants are our highest priorities at The Global Games. We are committed to providing a secure environment for young athletes, many of whom may be experiencing their first major sporting event.

Every festival is underpinned by a robust health and safety plan, independently audited to ensure the highest standards are met. To further enhance player safety, each team is required to bring:

A qualified first aider (with a St John Basic First Aid qualification or equivalent).
A fully stocked first aid kit.
Their own supply of ice for daily use.

While our professional festival medical team, including experienced paramedics, will provide on-site medical assistance throughout the event, the team’s first aider is the first point of contact for assessing whether further medical support is needed. Limited first aid kits will be available for purchase at the festival if required.

Mouthguards and Injury Management

Mouthguards are mandatory for all players and will be checked before games can start.

If a player is injured during a match, the game must be stopped immediately to ensure the player receives proper care. Any players on the field who are injured and/or bleeding must be removed immediately, and a substitute can be played while they are being attended to. All cuts or wounds must be properly dressed with bandages, dressings, and protective materials before the player can return to play. Minor wounds may be treated quickly on the field without substitution, but this is at the discretion of the medical staff on the day.

Head Injuries and Concussion Management
Head injuries and concussions are taken extremely seriously at The Global Games. If a player is suspected of having a concussion:

They will be immediately removed from the game and will not be allowed to return to play on the same day.
If diagnosed with a concussion, the player will be placed on a mandatory 21-day stand-down period, during which they must follow a supervised return-to-play protocol. Medical clearance from a concussion specialist is required before they can resume any sport.

All head injuries must be assessed by the event medical team. While on-site physiotherapists and paramedics can suspect and refer potential cases, a medical doctor with expertise in concussion management is required for diagnosis and clearance.

With the help of Without Waste (WOW), here's what we're doing—and where you come in:

Pack In, Pack Out Your General Waste: Help us keep things tidy by packing out whatever general waste you bring in. We will not accept any general waste at the WOW recycling hub.
Without Waste (WOW) Recycling Hub: Drop off your pre-sorted recyclables and food scraps at the WOW tent! We're making recycling easier and more effective than ever.
Reusable Revolution: Cut down on waste by bringing your own water bottles and coffee cups. Plus, you will see our new reusable dishware options! Simply use, enjoy, and return to our designated stations.
Truly Compostable Options: We're spicing up our food packaging from our vendors with options that are good for the earth. They break down easily, so we can compost them instead of tossing them out.
Learn as You Go: Come and visit the team at the WOW recycling hub for our fun tips on how to be more sustainable while you enjoy the games. Small changes can make a big impact!
Litter Picking Initiative: Sign up for a litter picking slot with our WOW team. Each team member who participates not only helps us keep the area clean but also earns an extra point for their team. It's a win-win for everyone and the environment!

Together, We Can Do This!

Drain liquid out of containers and rinse before you bring them to the waste yard.
Take lids off of bottles as they cannot be recycled and belong in general waste.
Just because it looks like plastic, doesn’t mean it is! Beware of #7-PLA cups. They are not recyclable or compostable.
Metal and aluminium must be uncrushed and smaller than 1L.
If you have dirty recyclables, please ensure they are rinsed clean or taken off-site as general waste.
Paper and cardboard are easily contaminated, please keep all mixed recycling clean to avoid

ENJOYMENT | HĀKINAKINA