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Environment & Weather

Environmental conditions can impact the safe conduct of footy. In cases of extreme weather, matches or training may be postponed, cancelled, or other measures implemented to protect the wellbeing of players and officials. Safety always comes first.

EXTREME HEAT

Exercising in conditions of extreme heat or humidity can result in heat illness. This can lead to impaired performance, physical discomfort, heat exhaustion and most critically, heat stroke. Ideally, heat illness is prevented, but if symptoms do develop, early recognition and treatment is critical.

Section 17 of the National Community Football Policy Handbook outlines the responsibilities of Controlling Bodies, Clubs and Players to prevent and manage heat stress.  

Strategies to reduce the risk of heat illness include:

  • The Controlling Body assessing heat stress risk by regularly reviewing information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and taking reasonable measures to avoid extremes of heat and allow rest and recovery breaks.
  • The Club should also monitor environmental factors (for matches and training) and ensure that cooling aids (e.g. spray bottles, cold towels, shade etc.) are provided along with adequate fluids.
  • Players should ensure they are well hydrated prior to training/playing and notify first aider staff if they are feeling unwell.
Learn More (See Section 17)

SUN / UV PROTECTION

Participation in Australian Football can expose a person to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and has the potential to result in harmful consequences. It is important that people understand the risks and take appropriate precautions to limit their exposure to UV light.

Section 18 of the National Community Football Policy Handbook outlines strategies to, where practical, reduce the risks from UV light.  These include:

  • Reducing risk of exposure by training near either end of the day
  • Aiming to avoid scheduling matches at times of peak UV levels
  • Wearing SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • Wearing long sleeved clothing (UPF if possible) for training
  • Wearing hats and sunglasses for training 

Other helpful resources include:

Learn More (See Section 18)

LIGHTNING

Lightning can cause damage or injury.  It is important that appropriate actions are taken when lightning is present to reduce that risk.

Section 17 of the National Community Football Policy Handbook outlines the responsibilities of Controlling Bodies, Clubs and Players to reduce the risk of damage or injury from lightning.  These include:

  • Monitoring potential for thunderstorm activity and lightning risk by regularly reviewing weather information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology.
  • If lightning is within 10km, a match or training session is to be suspended for at least 30 minutes from when the storm has passed.  Using the 30/30 Safety Guideline, if the time between seeing lighting and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, it indicates the storm is within 10km.
  • Where lightning is within 10km, people should take shelter in a safe structure. 

Other helpful resources include:

Learn More (See Section 17)