Huntly Football Netball Club
SUNSMART Policy
Rationale
People often experience sunburn and skin damage when playing or watching sport due to extended periods exposed to high levels of UV without appropriate sun protection.
Check the SunSmart UV Alert times to find out when sun protection is required. As a general rule, sun protection is needed from the beginning of September to the end of April in Victoria or whenever UV levels are 3 and above. Particular care should be taken during the middle of the day when UV levels are highest.
From May to August in Victoria, sun protection isn’t usually needed unless near highly reflective surfaces such as snow, outside for extended periods or when the UV reaches 3 and above.
Schedules, fixtures and rule modifications (including a cancellation policy)
- Where possible, training, events and competitions are scheduled to minimise exposure to UV and heat.
- Cancellation of training, events or competition occurs according to the rules of AFL Victoria Country League and Netball Victoria when high risk conditions are forecast.
Where it is not possible to avoid peak UV and heat periods, the following interim steps are taken to minimise the risk of overexposure to UV and heat illness:
- Warm-up activities are limited in duration and intensity.
- The duration of the activity is reduced.
- Activities may start earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
- Rest breaks and opportunities to seek shade and rehydrate are increased.
- Officials rotate out of the sun more frequently than usual.
- Player interchange and substitution is used more frequently than usual.
- Activity is held at an alternative venue (e.g. training at a pool).
Sun protection measures
1. Sunscreen
- SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen is promoted and/or provided to all members and visitors.
- The first aid kit in the Team Manager's Room includes a supply of SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.
- Sunscreen is available in the canteen.
2. Shade
- When not actively playing or between individual events, participants are able to rest in shaded areas.
- The use of shade from buildings, trees and other structures is utilised where possible (e.g. for player interchange, marshaling areas, spectator areas).
3. Clothing
- Tops/Jerseys are loose fitting and lightweight.
- Where the uniform or training clothing does not provide adequate sun protection, participants are reminded to apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin.
Education and information
- The times when sun protection is required (as determined by the SunSmart UV Alert) are communicated to participants and spectators through the UV Alert Sign.
Review
- This SunSmart policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that the document remains current and practical.
- This policy was last updated February 2014
