• One way of evaluating the environment is the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT). The WBGT measures thermal stress. It is a more reliable indicator than ambient temperature as it takes into account humidity. The higher the humidity, the less likely the chance to cool off through the evaporation of sweat.
• WBGT is not the same as temperature in degrees Celsius, ie 35 degrees Celsius 20% relative humidity is approximately a WBGT of 27.6 degrees Celsius.

• The combination of extreme environmental conditions and sustained vigorous exercise is particularly hazardous for the athlete. The greater the intensity of the exercise the greater the risk of heat related symptoms. eg Distance running is more of a problem than stop-start team events.

• A reduction in playing time and extending rest periods with opportunities to rehydrate during the event, would help safe guard the health of athletes and participants.
• Provision of extra water for wetting face, clothes and hair is also important.

• Preparation for exercise under hot conditions should include a period of acclimatisation to those conditions, especially if the athlete is travelling from a cool/temperate climate to compete under hot/ humid conditions.

Regular exercise in hot conditions will facilitate adaptation to help prevent the athlete.s performance deteriorating, or heat illness, during later competitions. A period of 7-10 days of 60 minutes acclimatisation activity each day provides substantial preparation for safe exercise in the heat.

• A number of physical/physiological characteristics of the athlete will influence the capacity to tolerate exercise in the heat, including body size and endurance fitness.
• In endurance events an accomplished yet non elite runner, striving to exceed their performance may suffer from heat stress. The potential for heat related illnesses will be exacerbated if they have not acclimatised to the conditions and have failed to hydrate correctly.

• An overweight and unconditioned athlete will generally also be susceptible to heat stress.
• Sports Medicine Australia (SA Branch) recommends participants drink 500mls before activity, 200mls every 20 minutes during activity and more than they are thirsty for after activity. (At least 500mls)

  Please refer to the free DRINK UP brochure available from your local National Pharmacies store.

• Female Participants may suffer more during exercise in the heat, due to their greater percentage of body fat.
• Young Children are especially at risk in the heat. Prior to puberty, the sweating mechanism, essential for effective cooling, is poorly developed. The ratio between weight and surface area in the child is also such that the body absorbs heat rapidly in hot conditions.
• In practical terms, child athletes must be protected from over-exertion in hot climates, especially when required to exercise for 30 minutes or longer.

• Although children can acclimatise to exercise in the heat, they take longer to do so than adults.
  Coaches should be aware of this and limit training for non-acclimatised children during exposure to hot environments.
• Veteran Participants may also cope less well with exercise in the heat. Reduced cardiac function is thought to be responsible for this effect.

• Will your players be able to consume enough water during the event?
• To avoid excessive dehydration during exercise in the heat, fluid (preferably water) should be consumed before, during and after exercise.

Even a small degree of dehydration will cause a decrease in performance.

• Associations may consider dividing games into shorter playing periods rather than halves to allow for extra drink breaks.

• Avoid the hottest part of the day ( usually 11:00am - 3:00pm). Scheduling events outside of this time should be a

consideration throughout any summer competition or event, regardless of the temperature.

• A shaded / protected grass exercise surface does not attract and retain as much heat as other surfaces (eg solid black asphalt.)

Exercise surface type and the amount of direct sunlight vary significantly with different sporting activities and therefore must be analysed for each individual sport.

• An air conditioned indoor venue will provide less of a problem whilst a hot indoor venue or an outside venue

without shade can constitute an unacceptable environment. Air flow should also be considered.

• It is important to know if any of your athletes have a medical condition or are taking medication that may predispose them to heat illness

• Examples include; asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, heart conditions and epilepsy. Some medications and conditions may need special allowances.

• Preventative measures can be undertaken to minimise heat injuries. Examples include the provision of shade, hats and appropriate sunscreen and drinking water.
• Availability of Sports Trainers or First Aid Personnel.
• It is important to have trained personnel available to manage heat injuries.

• In situations where heat problems may be expected, an experienced medical practitioner should be present.
• Heat stroke is potentially life threatening. Any indication of this condition should be immediately referred for Medical Assessment.

<18degrees

2

SMA SA recommend you cancel or reschedule your event if

• the WBGT is above 28 or
• the age of participants gets a point value of 8.

If this is not the case and the event goes on then:

• Extra drink breaks should be allowed.
• Shade should be provided.
• Promotion of fluid replacement should be actively encouraged. (eg Through PA systems or umpires.)

SMA SA recommend play may go ahead BUT

• Extra drink breaks should be allowed.
• Shade should be provided.
• Promotion of fluid replacement should be actively encouraged. (eg Through PA systems or umpires.)

SMA SA recommend play with usual fluid replacement measures in place. SMA reminds sporting groups and individuals that:
Cancellation of events or withdrawal from participation may be appropriate even in circumstances falling outside of these recommendations.