THURSDAY 23 – TUESDAY 28 MAY 2024

Aged 35 or above? Love travelling? Enjoy playing badminton? Like being a member of a team? 

Following the immense success of the inaugural Oceania Masters in Paradise (in 2022), Badminton Oceania and Badminton Cook Islands are delighted to bring the second Master’s (35+) badminton team event back to Rarotonga. The mixed team tournament combines all the elements of travel, sunshine, badminton competition, tourist activities, and social functions with new and old friends.

This is a team only event, played in three sections: 35+ and 55+ competitive, 40+ recreational. A team is comprised of a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 men and women.

We also offer to assist to find you extra team members if you cannot find sufficient people to field a team and also to place you in a team if  you cannot find a team to play in.

Please read all the information below, if you still have any questions please email OMIP@badmintonoceania.org

Note: The Cook Islands are in the UTC−10 time zone and do not observe daylight saving. Therefore are always 22 or 23 hours behind New Zealand. In May, they will be 22 hours behind. Please take this into consideration when booking all elements of the trip. The event schedule and packages below should clarify the dates and timings.

EVENT SCHEDULE

PACKAGES

  • The Supporter Package is for non-players only
  • All prices are in New Zealand Dollars

HOW TO BOOK/REGISTER

Follow these simple steps to register to compete in the 35+/55+ competitive or 40+ recreational divisions. Please note that the number of teams we can accept into the competition is limited, acceptance will be based on the order in which the team entries are confirmed – ie. The team is entered and the entry fee paid.  Depending on final entry numbers BOC reserves the right to combine age groups and/or divisions to make a meaningful competition.

STEP 1.

Enter your team

TEAM ENTRY HAS CLOSED

Every player in a team, including the team captain, needs to register and purchase a player package to compete.

  • Early Bird offer ends at 5pm on 31 August 2023
  • See packages and prices per person above
  • Registration closes 30 April 2024

Supporters wishing to take part in functions/excursion as well as benefit from transport must purchase a supporters package.

  • Early Bird offer ends at 5pm on 31 August 2023
  • See packages and prices per person above
  • Registration closes 30 April 2024

Players are responsible for booking their own flights.

As per the event schedule (see above), players must ensure they arrive in Rarotonga by Thursday 23 May at the latest (the day of registration, captain’s meeting and social function), and not depart before Wednesday 29 May.

Important: The Cook Islands are in the UTC−10 time zone and do not observe daylight saving. Please take this into consideration when booking all elements of the trip. For example, if you are from New Zealand, then you will be travelling to a time zone which is 22 hours behind. Therefore if you were to book a flight to depart Auckland on Friday 24 May (New Zealand time), it will arrive on Thursday 23 May (Cook Islands time). The dates listed in the event schedule are based on the Cook Islands time zone.

Flights currently available from:
  • Auckland, New Zealand with Air New Zealand and Jetstar,
  • Pape’ete, Tahiti with Air Rarotonga.
  • Non-stop flights from Honolulu, Hawaii with Hawaiian Airlines will commence 20 May 2023 and Sydney, Australia with Jetstar from 29 June 2023.

The Edgewater Resort & Spa is one of the best-known resorts in the Cook Islands and will become the home of Oceania Masters in Paradise 2024, providing you with an unforgettable week of badminton and island life.

Check out the exclusive rates for Oceania Masters in Paradise 2024 – Subject to availability. All prices are in New Zealand Dollars.

Note: Only use this link to book if you wish to stay at The Edgewater Resort & Spa using the special rates agreed with Badminton Oceania. Please note that transport to and from the accommodation and competition venue is only available for those staying at The Edgewater Resort & Spa.

If you have any questions, please email

OMIP@badmintonoceania.org

FAQ’S

TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE

What are the age groups and divisions?

There are a total of three classifications to play in.

  • Competitive division 35+
  • Competitive division 55+
  • Recreational division 40+

Please note that the number of teams we can accept into the competition is limited, acceptance will be based on the order in which the team entries are confirmed – ie. The team is entered and the entry fee paid.  Depending on final entry numbers BOC reserves the right to combine age groups and/or divisions to make a meaningful competition

The youngest player and the strongest player determines the division the team has to play in.

A Recreational section player is considered a “non-competitive player”.

To be eligible to play in the Recreational section ALL players in the team must meet the following criteria:

  • Players must not have played in the following competitions from 2015 – 2024:
    • NZ Inter-Association (Seniors, Masters, Veterans, Super-Vets) except in the lowest division in that category.
    • Australian competitions at any level in the Open, A or B grades.
    • Any other competition at any level in the Open, Championships, Competitive sections.

 

  • BOC may regrade a player and/or team at their discretion with the aim of ensuring a fair competition for all participants.

How will the competition be organised?

This is a Mixed Team event only. Click HERE for full competition regulations.

The aim is for each team to play a minimum of 4 ties, with a maximum of 2 ties per day. It is not guaranteed that every team will play on every playing day.

The final entry numbers will determine the format of each section.

Please note that the number of teams we can accept into the competition is limited, acceptance will be based on the order in which the team entries are confirmed – ie. The team is entered and the entry fee paid.  Depending on final entry numbers BOC reserves the right to combine age groups and/or divisions to make a meaningful competition

A team consists of a minimum of 2 men and 2 women up to a maximum of 4 men and 4 women.

A tie will consist of:

  • 1 x Men’s Doubles
  • 1 x Women’s Doubles
  • 2 x Mixed Doubles

Each match will use standard scoring: the best of 3 games to 21 points with extension, with the exception of the golden game.

The winner of the tie is the team who wins the greatest number of matches

If the number of matches is equal (2 all) then a Golden Game will be played to determine the winner of the tie

The Golden Game is a mixed doubles match with each pair to be a “new pair” – ie. They must not have already played together in that particular tie; to be nominated by the Team Captain to the Referee/Organiser within 3 minutes of the completion of the final match of the tie.

Where does the badminton competition take place?

The badminton competition will take place inside the Telecom Sports Arena. If further courts are required the the National Auditorium will be used.

What days will the badminton competition take place?

Team matches will take place on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. Each day will be made up of up to four sessions, while Sunday 26 May will only consist of an excursion.

Is there any assistance in case of injury during the event?

Everyone attending the event will be responsible for sorting their own travel insurance arrangements. There will be basic first aid available at the stadium.

TEAM AND PLAYER PACKAGES

How do I enter a team?

One nominated point of contact (the team captain), is responsible for entering the team via the contact form (see ‘Step 1’ above).

Only the team captain needs to enter the team.

  • Early Bird Team entry $120 per team (by 5pm on 31 August 2023)
  • Team entry after 5pm, 31 August 2023 is $200 per team
  • Team entry and player nominations must be complete by 31 March 2024.
  • All prices are in New Zealand Dollars

If I’m part of a team do I still need to register?

Yes, each team is required to pay a ‘team entry fee’. Every player within that team will need to purchase the player package to register for the event. A team entry is not confirmed until the minimum number of people in the team have registered and paid – ie. 2 men and 2 women.

I’d like to play, but I don’t have a team. Can I enter individually?

Players will need to register as part of a team to compete. We understand there are players out there who may not have enough players to form a team or wish to travel on their own and are looking for a team who needs an additional player. We have set up a Facebook group where you can connect with others to either form a team or be added to a team.

How do I register?

Every player in a team, including the team captain, needs to register and purchase a player package to compete.

You can register by filling out the ‘Player Registration form‘ – see ‘Step 2’ above.

  • Early Bird offer ends at 5pm on 31 August 2023
  • See packages and prices per person above
  • Players must have registered by 30 April 2024

Do we have to purchase a package to take part?

Yes, all players must purchase a player package

I can’t make all scheduled activities, can I pay for a select few?

No. All overseas players must purchase the full package. Local players (reside in the Cook Islands) have a choice of packages

I am attending the event with a non-player, do they need to purchase a different package?

If your acquaintance wishes to utilise the transport (airport and to and from the stadium) and attend the social functions and excursion, they must purchase the supporter package – this package is for non-players only. There is no option to purchase the individual components. For clarity, if they do not purchase a supporters package they will not be included in transport and cannot attend the functions or excursion. Only Cook Island local supporters (people who reside in the Cook Islands) have the option to purchase different components.

Can I have people come to support me?

Yes, everyone is welcome to come and watch the event. There is no charge to enter the stadium as a spectator.

There is a supporter’s package available for non-players to ensure your supporters can get transport to and from the airport, the stadium and to participate in the social and tourism activities.

When do entries close?

Early bird closes on… Non early bird/Final closing date is…
Team Entry 5pm, 31 August 2023 5pm, 31 March 2024.
Team Player nominations must also be complete by this date.
Player Registration 5pm, 31 August 2023 5pm, 30 April 2024
The Edgewater Resort & Spa special rates Exclusive rates are available until 31 August 2023, unless sold out prior. Subject to availability. All prices are in New Zealand Dollars. Exclusive rates are available until 1 May 2024, unless sold out prior. Subject to availability. Any bookings made after the 1st May 2024 will be subject to availability. All prices are in New Zealand Dollars.

Can players from outside of New Zealand or the Cook Island enter?

Yes, this tournament is open to everyone over the age of 35.

What is the Refund Policy?

Refund Policy

  • If the Oceania Masters in Paradise 2024 is cancelled by Badminton Oceania due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen reason the participant will receive a full refund of the Team Entry Fee and Player Package fees paid
  • Team Entry Fees are not refundable except where the event is cancelled by Badminton Oceania
  • If a player or supporter withdraws prior to 30 April 2024 they are eligible for a refund of their Player/Supporter Package fee less 20% for administration costs
  • If a player or supporter withdraws after 30 April 2024 there is no refund of the Player/Supporter Package fee
  • The Player/Supporter package fee maybe transferred, to another player at no charge if done prior to April 30th 2024, after this date there will be a NZD$50 fee per person to transfer the package
  • Refunds with regards to accommodation booked at The Edgewater Resort & Spa is as per their policy in the accommodation provider pack
  • Badminton Oceania has NO LIABILITY with regards to travel booked if the event is cancelled or if  travel is disrupted; this includes but isn’t limited to flights being cancelled or delayed.
  • Badminton Oceania highly recommend that individuals purchase their own travel insurance

For all event enquiries or matters please email OMIP@badmintonoceania.org

TRANSPORT

How can I get from the airport to the Resort?

Airport transfers are for those who are staying at The Edgewater Resort & Spa only, on the official arrival and departure dates (23rd and 29th May). If you are staying elsewhere, you will need to arrange your own transport, at your own cost.

How do we travel from the Resort to the playing venue?

For those who have purchased the player and supporters package your travel between the The Edgewater Resort & Spa and badminton hall is included.

How can I get around the island in my downtime?

Traffic dependent (although unlikely) it takes approximately 45 minutes to drive around the island. You can get around by hiring a car or motorcycle or using the public transport
service.
Car and bike Hire: There is a car and bike hire office at The Edgewater Resort & Spa where you can hire a car, motor scooter or bike. Please note you may be required to purchase a Cook Islands Drivers License (for a small additional fee)
Public Transport: A public bus runs throughout the week.

ACCOMMODATION

How do I make an accommodation reservation?

The player and supporter packages include transport from The Edgewater Resort & Spa to the Telecom Arena for all sessions.

If players are staying outside of The Edgewater Resort & Spa they will need to arrange their own transport to either The Edgewater Resort & Spa or the Telecom Arena.

Badminton Oceania has partnered with The Edgewater Resort & Spa to offer special event prices.

View the accommodation provider pack. A limited number of rooms are available at the special prices, therefore we advise that you book early using our registration form to avoid disappointment.

How far away is the Resort from the airport?

The Edgewater Resort & Spa is 3.5km away from the Airport, approximately a 10-minute drive.

How far away is the Resort from the playing venue?

The Edgewater Resort & Spa is 3.4km away from the Avarua Tereora Stadium, approximately an 15-minute drive.

Are there any clothes washing facilities at the Resort?

Yes, communal washing machines are available to use for a small charge, payable at the resort. Villas include washing facilities. For a full list of amenities at The Edgewater Resort & Spa, visit The Edgewater Resort & Spa website.

Where can I get tourist information for the Cook Islands?

For more information on the wonderful activities to do in the Cook Islands, check out https://cookislands.travel/en-NZ.