When temperatures are warmer than usual it’s a common request for drinks breaks to be put in place, especially in pre-season.
But what are the actual policies that direct when a drinks break MUST be implemented? And how hot does it get before you can call-off the game? We’re put together this article to help you understand what happens.
Football Canterbury adopts Football NSW’s extreme heat policy when it comes to procedures in hot weather. These procedures cover all football related events including matches, trial games, and training sessions.
Low Risk Procedure
Drink regularly before, during, and after the match or activity
Moderate Risk Procedure
Rest breaks: increase the duration of the half time break to allow additional recovery/respite and implement drinks breaks. It is important that the half time break is taken in the shade.
High Risk Procedure
Active cooling: as well as the longer half time breaks (in the shade) and drinks breaks, participants need to use active cooling strategies during these breaks to cool down faster. An example of an effective strategy includes placing an ice pack (or towel filled with crushed ice) around your neck.
Extreme Risk Procedure
Stop the match/training session. Seek shade immediately and implement cooling strategies. Is it is a match, it has to be cancelled or postponed.
Calculating Risk Level
For the policy to work, you will need access to the air temperature and the relative humidity. This can usually be found on the BOM website but it is recommended team managers and referees purchase a humidity and temperature meter (these can be found for about $30 at hardware stores).
You can use the air temperature and relative humidity scores (taken at the same time) with the below tables to calculate the risk level.
If you cannot find the relative humidty on the BOM website or through your own meter, then U18 matches must be cancelled or postoned when the temperature hits 32° or above, and 37° for adults.
