Posted on 30 November, 2009

Association Heat Policy

Teams 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.