Hot Weather Guidelines for Associations
With the current very hot weather, associations are reminded of the heat policy circulated early this year.
The attached climate policy was issued as an ADVISORY ONLY and as an interim advice. It is not binding as a By-law as only the State Conference can make By-laws. This will be considered at the State conference in a few week’s time.
In addition to the procedure laid down in the advisory, it is recommended that where stadiums do not have cooling systems, fans be made available in stadiums where players can cool down, perhaps on the benches. If the outside temperature is cooler than the inside court temperature, particularly if there is a cool breeze outside, if it is at all possible, stadium doors should be opened to allow the breeze through.
Additionally, association are encouraged to follow the advice below:
- Be sure to encourage on-court participants - players and referees - as well as those on the side lines – scoretable officials etc - to remain hydrated as much as possible to avoid heat related illnesses which, if left untreated, can be quite harmful to an individual’s health. This may mean shortening the length of each game, providing teams with extra time-outs, opening entry/exit doors to increase air-flow or increasing the breaks in-between halves. While not all these strategies will be possible at some venues, we strongly encourage you to implement what you can, to make our sport as enjoyable as possible for participants and spectators during such conditions.
- It is also important to remember that some referees officiate multiple matches each night – and normally do so in dress pants and sleeved polo tops. To assist them, it may be good to spread out their games (when and where possible) or allow them to wear shorts when officiating.
- The same principals apply during a training session. Players will require longer or more frequent breaks for drinks to remain adequately hydrated. It may also be a good idea to ensure the level of intensity is a little lower during periods of high heat. This will assist the prevention of dehydration and also more serious problems such as heat stress and heat stroke.
- It is imperative that we keep in mind the health and safety of those taking part in our sport – both on and off the court, and it is with this in mind that we are alerting you to this information.
- As a general guide, players and referees are advised to drink about 500ml (2 cups) of water in the 2 hours before exercising. During exercise lasting 60 minutes or longer, 500-750ml (2-3 cups) of fluids per hour should be sufficient to prevent dehydration. Constant sipping is also advised.
DOWNLOADS: The following resources will be of benefit to Associations and Individuals alike, and we encourage you to take the time to view them.
Proposed Climate Policy (advice only)
Basketball Victoria Participant Protection By-Laws (including Climate Policy - CURRENT By-Law)
Sports Medicine Australia’s Hot Weather Guidelines (a guide to heat illnesses and simple steps you can take to minimise the risk of their occurrence)
Sports Medicine Australia - Beat the Heat (a basic guide to sport in hot weather)
Smartplay – Drink Up (a basic guide to player hydration)
