Flinders University AFL 9S

For fun, safe and inclusive footy

WEATHER POLICY
Purpose:

- The purpose of weather policies are to ensure that the safety of the participants and staff
are upheld.
- The event hosted will be up to the standard set by Flinders University through the avoidance
of accident and harm through weather implications

Objectives:

Flinders University aims to uphold the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff and guests to the
best of our ability. In order to maintain this, weather policies are put in place to prevent the
potential harm and illness that can be inflicting upon others. This allows us to:

- Determine whether the event can continue or be modified

- When it safe to play given the weather conditions

(Sports Medicine, 2010)

Risks of injury

Sports Medicine Australia (2010) states that heat illness is a common occurrence when participating
in sporting events:
Heat illness can occur when a participant exercises vigorously in hot conditions and can also occur
in hot weather even if the activity is low intensity. Heat illness can also occur in cool weather when
exercising in high intensity. (Sports Medicine Australia, 2010)
Sports Medicine Australia has presented a Heat Illness Chart which has been used as a point of
reference to help manage the risks of injury or incidents likely to occur on the day.

Temperature Risk of injury Potential management/maintenance

15 20 Low Comfortable, continue with usual activities. Heat
illness can occur in prolonged high-intensity activities
such as running.
21 25 Low moderate Comfortable for most people, continue with usual
activities. Be cautious of participants who fit into high-
risk categories and when relative humidity reaches
over 70%.
26 30 Moderate high Uncomfortable for some people, modify activities for
at risk individuals. Reduce intensity and duration of
play/training and take more breaks. Be cautious when
relative humidity reaches over 60%
31 35 High Very high Uncomfortable for most people, modify activities.
Reduce intensity, take more breaks and limit duration
to less than 60 minutes. Be cautious when relative
humidity reaches over 50%.
36> Extreme Very stressful for most people, modify, postpone or
cancel activities. Reschedule to a cooler part of the day
or cooler location. Be cautious when relative humidity
reaches over 30%.
(Sports Medicine Australia, 2010)

In accordance to Sports Medicine Australia and Flinders University, these policies have been put into
place:

Policies

- The event will be postponed and rescheduled if temperatures reach above 35 degrees.
- In the event that the temperatures range between 28-35 degrees, 10 minute breaks will be
taken to ensure consistency of hydration
 - Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum) will be provided for all participants. All participants are
required to apply the sunscreen
- Hats must be worn in the sun, preferably wide brimmed hats, however if students cannot
wear hats during play, Sunscreen will be provided for and applied.
- Closed shoes, preferably running shoes, must still be worn for land based activity for safety
reasons
- In the event of a thunder storm, events must cease until 30 minutes of the last thunder or
lighting before continuing if storms occur the event will be cancelled and rescheduled.
- Shade will be provided for patrons to sit under during the day.
- Access to water will be provided on the day with a student taking a minimum of 1 bottle
from home. Refills will be available.

Responsibilities of staff

- Coaches will be responsible for minimising heat illness risks through field rotations, rest
periods through drink breaks and duration of training.
- Employees must be able to identify the risks of injury and make decisions accordingly
- Employees are accountable for the amount of water and sunscreen available for all students

References

Hot Weather | Sports Medicine Australia. (2016). Sma.org.au. Retrieved 19 August 2017, from
http://sma.org.au/resources-advice/policies-guidelines/hot-weather/