COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Loss of My Earnings
Online Delivery
- Are there software packages that can be used to deliver remote training of clients in their own homes?
- What are the best platforms to develop pre-recorded or virtual classes?
- Can I use music in my online delivery?
COVID-19 Level Status
- Can I still train clients outdoors while we are at level 4 status?
- Can I still go into my club/studio during L4 to deliver online classes/sessions if there is only one of me
- I operate a studio or gym and my members can’t come as we are closed – Do I have to stop charging them?
- What are the rules for L3 for exercise providers?
REPs Insurance
- Is a REPs registered trainer or teacher at the contractor registration level delivering a class or workout via an online platform covered by the REPs insurance policy?
- Does the REPs contractor insurance cover loss of income or earnings
- Can I upgrade my REPs registration from PT Employee, Group Exercise or yoga teacher, to a contractor level which includes insurance?
Loss of My Earnings
I don’t have any clients now so won’t have any income. What can I do?
The government are providing a support package for both workplaces, and self-employed contractors. This includes part-time and full-time staff and contractors. You can apply for the financial support at this link
Online Delivery
Are there software packages that can be used to deliver remote training of clients in their own homes?
Yes! We now have an online guide (see below) which has been sent to members.
What are the best platforms to develop pre-recorded or virtual classes?
YouTube and Vimeo provide free delivery platforms. The challenge is how to monetise and collect payment from those with access to the content you have produced. These platforms work well for providing service support to members who are still paying you, but you will need to separately collect & track payments through another system.
ExerciseNZ, REPs and YogaNZ have jointly developed an Online 101 Guide for those looking at delivering exercise services online. Members have had this emailed to them (if you don’t have your copy, contact the organisation you are a member of).
Can I use music in my online delivery?
You can, as long as you have a licence to do so (from One Music). Please see details from OneMusic here
Some tips:
- For 1:1 sessions or anything that background music is needed – get your client(s) to play music in their own home (you can even share a Spotify list with them). There is no licence required if the client is playing music in the background.
- For class-based music – if you have a paid Zoom account (around $20 NZ/mth) you can set Spotify (or any other music app) as the sound source and then it will directly stream 100% clear to your clients. Add in a mic (wired or wireless) and then you can do the same with that (ie select it to go straight to your clients). That will give the cleanest and best sound for clients.
- We do NOT recommend using Facebook in any way if using any music. Even if you have a licence the Facebook algorithms look for copyrighted music and can cut off accounts if they wish. While you may be able to reactivate your account, we know right now losing access would be a major issue, so don’t risk it.
COVID-19 Level Status
Can I still train clients outdoors while we are at level 4 status?
No. Only essential services can operate while we are in level 4 status (e.g pharmacies, supermarkets). You can delivery online, but no face to face, even at a distance.
Can I still go into my club/studio to deliver online classes/sessions during L4 if there is only one of me?
No. L4 rules are all about “stay at home” for all but essential travel (such as going to buy groceries, working in an essential service).
I operate a studio or gym and my members can’t come as we are closed – Do I have to stop charging them?
Yes. You can provide other options (keep paying, or pay a reduced rate for a new service), as long as they opt into one of these, then you can keep charging them. The default must be to suspend payment while you are closed.
What are the rules during L3 for exercise providers? (Updated 22 April 2020)
Under the L3 rules, gyms and studios are specifically listed as closed, The same applies to PTs even if outside 1:1 and social distancing. The Govt rules are very clear that L3 is only exercise “within your bubble” so only virtual sessions at L3.
Note: MBIE and HealthLine may give conflicting information – we are 100% that our advice above is correct.
During level 3 you can go back into an exercise facility to do work not possible at home, such as cleaning, moving equipment and any other work related to preparing for Level 2.
REPs Insurance
Is a REPs registered trainer or teacher at the contractor registration level delivering a class or workout via an online platform covered by the REPs insurance policy?
Yes. The policies do cover the delivery of online content in New Zealand (does not cover delivery outside NZ) for those registered at the ‘contractor’ registration level. To confirm your registration includes insurance check that your registration certificate includes the word ‘Contractor’.
Does the REPs contractor insurance cover loss of income or earnings
No. The policies cover professional indemnity, statutory liability and public liability. More info is at www.reps.org.nz/insurance
Can I upgrade my REPs registration from PT Employee, Group Exercise or yoga teacher to a contractor level which includes insurance?
Yes. For group exercise or yoga there are no additional qualification requirements. To move from PT Employee to PT Contractor, we just need to verify you hold the relevant business skills for the registration level.
