The Heat Policy is to provide guidance to Clubs, Teams,Players, Coaches and Parents on the best approach to ensure a safe playing environment.

The Referees Supervisor on duty will activate the Extreme Heat Policy at their discretion.

The Extreme Heat Policy MUST be activated when the temperature on any court reaches 35 degrees Celsius.

The Association has installed a digital thermometer/clock in the stadium between courts 2 & 3, which complies with Basketball Victoria’s Participants Protection By-Laws.  This thermometer will monitor the temperature on courts inside the stadium when the weather is hot.

Under the Extreme Heat Policy, the following modified timing rules will be implemented:

• Game halves will be shortened to 18 minutes each
• Half time will be extended to 5 minutes.
• Referees will call a mandatory time out at approximately the 9 minute mark of each half, regardless of the number of time outs called by the coaches.
• Players will be monitored by the referees, coaches and parents to ensure they consume plenty of fluids and watch for any signs of heat stress.
• If the temperature inside the stadium reaches 40 degrees Celsius games will be cancelled. Team representatives will receive an SMS message or an email to advise them of any cancellations. A notice will also be displayed on the website.

If a game is abandoned before it commences or before or at half time it is counted as a draw;

If a game is abandoned after half time, the game score stands as a final result.

Playing when Heat Policy is enforced:-

1. Coaches are encouraged to rotate players to ensure a full rest break each half, and fully utilise time outs.
2. Players should ensure they have adequate water and liquid refreshment before, during and after the game. Wet towels, ice packs or sprays [containing water] may also be useful.
3. Parents should check that players have adequate water available before, during and after the game, and monitor the condition of their child for any signs of distress during the game.

Where a player has any special medical conditions, parents should take professional advice concerning their child’s participation.