A. Golden Oldies is the name given to a selection of team sports designed to be played by those over 35 years but with no maximum age. Scores of the games are not important, the principal aims being participation and enjoyment.

The name 'Golden Oldies' represents fun but at the same time doesn't mean you can't play sport to the best of your ability. Above all though, you'll be part of a matchless lifestyle.

Q. What is the Golden Oldies Sports Movement?

A. The Golden Oldies Sporting Movement includes specially organised games, local weekend events, regional mini-festivals and a two-yearly World Festival held each time in a different part of the world. Golden Oldies sports are played in an ever-increasing number of countries by like-minded teams.

When you and your team participate in a World Festival you'll likely play against teams from countries you may never have had the chance to meet before.

Q. How and when did Golden Oldies originate?

A. Tom Johnson, a former top New Zealand Rugby player had the imagination to keep Rugby enthusiasts in the game after their normally-accepted 'footy career' had finished. It was his persistence that saw the first Golden Oldies Festival kick off in August of 1979.

It didn't stop with Rugby though. World Festivals of Hockey, Cricket, Soccer and Netball saw Golden Oldies on the move.

Q. What is a Golden Oldies World Festival?

A. World Festivals are international events held every two years in a different country or city.

The advent of these events has changed people's lives and seen many travelling away to see the world and play sport against teams from other countries for the first time. World Festivals may welcome teams from up to 30 countries and team members will find themselves meeting and mixing with some of life's most unforgettable characters.

Q. What's included in a World Festival programme?

A. A traditional Golden Oldies World Festival includes three days of games on alternate days and three specially-created social functions for all participants. Intervening days give you the opportunity for sightseeing and local touring, shopping or relaxing with friends.

The social functions consist of a three-hour Welcome Party, a mid-week function to enjoy a 'taste' of the host country and a Gala Farewell Banquet.

The World Festival programme is a deliberate blend of travel, sightseeing and socialising with games of your favourite sport.

Q. What is a Festival 'participant'?

A. World Festivals welcome not only players but also partners, spouses, families and supporters. The Festival packages are designed to include everyone even if you prefer not to step onto the field or court.

Q. How old do I have to be to play in a World Festival?

A. Golden Oldies start as young as 35 for all sports except Cricket which has a minimum age of 40. There is no maximum age - Golden Oldies sports people don't grow old!

Q. What is the Golden Oldies philosophy?

A. The success of Golden Oldies is built around a philosophy of fun, friendship and the development of a global fraternity. The movement has carved its own niche in the sport and travel sphere due to its emphasis on enjoyment on and off the pitch or court. Results of the games have little importance in the fun environment.

Q. May I form a Golden Oldies team?

A. Yes, you may. Many teams are comprised of friends who used to play together in their earlier days or are like-minded sport and travel enthusiasts. Golden Oldies often brings people back into sport but your team doesn't have to be affiliated to a club, union or association.

On the other hand many clubs have Golden Oldies or veterans sections.

Q. We don't have a full team. May we still enter?

A. Yes, in most cases that doesn't cause a problem. We'll still want you to fill in the entry form but suggest you call us at the Golden Oldies Secretariat on (64) 9 336 2783 or e-mail us and we'll help you out.

Q. May I attend as an individual?

A. Certainly. You are welcome. We can try and put you in touch with a team near you, place you in a team that has already entered or make you a member of a pool of individual players. Please call the Secretariat on (64) 9 336 2783 or e-mail us for information.

Q. Are there special playing rules for each sport?

A. Generally the normal rules of each sport apply but some variations may apply to ensure enjoyment and health safety for everyone. Full details of the rules or laws are sent to the team leader when the entry is received.

Q. What is a Golden Oldies Festival package?

A. Your hotel transfers, accommodation, entry to the social functions, transport to and from the functions and playing venues during the week are all planned and co-ordinated. There are various package levels for your team to choose from and they are based upon the standard of accommodation preferred. The packages form an essential part of the Festival structure.

You will find in the brochure about the Festival an extensive and detailed list of all the other package inclusions.

Q. Some of our members want to stay an extra few nights. Are they able to do this?

A. Yes, absolutely! Just tell us when you book or contact us by e-mail or by calling (64) 9 336 2783 so we can cater for their needs. Our negotiations with the hotels include having the same rates for extra nights as are charged for the Festival nights.

Q. We want to attend the Festival. May we arrange our own accommodation?

A. Unfortunately this isn't possible as the packages are 'all inclusive'. By negotiating with all suppliers and integrating all components we aim to ensure we are giving you and your team the best value for money.

It is also essential that transport services and accommodation are co-ordinated for the whole event.

Q. Are we able to include the Festival as part of a bigger trip?

A. Yes, no worries. Just let us know what your plans are so we can help with co-ordination. Depending upon your needs we can organise flights, transfers, accommodation or any pre or post-Festival activities you may be considering.

Q. Do we need a Team Manager?

A. We strongly recommend having one - either voluntarily or by extreme persuasion. The Team Manager is a very important point of contact for the organisers and has a big part to play in the success of a Festival.

The Team Manager plays an invaluable role and deserves all the praise received from other team members for the time and commitment contributed.

Q. How secure are my team's package payments?

A. The deposit payments for packages are held by Air New Zealand Holidays Ltd in a special Festival account. Payments from this account to the appointed ground operator are only made when funds are needed to confirm venue hires or pay deposits to sub-contractors.

Q. What is the Golden Oldies Secretariat?

A. The Golden Oldies World Secretariat is a team with responsibility for the management of Festivals, day-to-day administration and development of the movement. The Secretariat is based in Auckland, New Zealand and is funded by Air New Zealand.

Q. What is Air New Zealand's involvement with Golden Oldies?

A. The airline has invested millions of dollars since the whistle was blown to start the first festival in 1979. Much has been spent on administering and building the movement around the world. In return for its expenditure and financial support Air New Zealand looks to carrying as many participants as possible to and from Festivals.

Q. How are World Festivals organised?

A. A local Festival Committee arranges all the sporting aspects - grounds, umpires, match draws, post-match entertainment, volunteers, balls, medical services, opening ceremony etc. Air New Zealand picks up the tab for these aspects and for many other things which help ensure the success and enjoyment of Festivals. Support is often given by local authorities and tourism organisations.

On the other hand, a local travel company (the ground Operator) appointed by the Secretariat is responsible for the accommodation, transport and setting up the official social functions and a myriad of other details.

Q. How are future World Festival venues decided?

A. We ask you where you want to go. Applications to host Festivals are also received and considered by the Secretariat and an assessment made of the ability of the proposed host city or country to provide the facilities and services which ensure an enjoyable Festival and maintain the standards.

Q. Do the sports benefit form the Golden Oldies movement?

A. Most definitely. At the outset of Golden Oldies there was a resolve that any surplus funds from organising committees should go to the sport. Those committees arrange sponsorships for many Festival aspects and they retain the sponsorship payments. The proceeds from catering at the grounds or courts also belong to the Committee. No individual members of organising committees receive financial benefit so there is a great appreciation of the time given and commitment made.

Q. How do I enter my team in a World Festival?

A. For a copy of the brochure and entry form contact us on (64) 9 336 2783, email us or click here and select your chosen Golden Oldies sport for a festival specific entry form and brochure. We can send the entry form with other information in the post if you prefer.

Q. How do I find out more about Golden Oldies?

A. A useful kit is available to welcome you to the world of Golden Oldies. It contains a booklet, a video and a CD to show to your team and prospective members. Just e-mail us, send a fax to (64) 9 336 3330 of call us on (64) 9 336 2783 with your request and postal details and it will be on its way to you.

Have we answered your question? If not, please contact us.