The TIO Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) will implement the Extreme Heat Policy for all Round 3 matches this weekend in response to a heatwave warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
While AFLNT has an Extreme Weather Policy in place throughout the season, these added measures are being enacted due to the elevated heat risk this round.
Player safety and wellbeing remain the highest priority, and the following changes will apply across all senior, junior and youth divisions:
Match Adjustments
Men’s Premier League and Premier League Reserves: Quarters reduced by 2 minutes
Women’s Premier League, Men’s Division One & Two: Quarters reduced by 3 minutes
Junior & Youth Grades: All junior and youth fixtures will also follow adjusted match durations and extended breaks for player safety
All Grades: Quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter time breaks will be extended to support player recovery
Recommended Cooling & Hydration Protocols
Clubs and coaches are strongly encouraged to implement the following measures across all grades, including juniors and youth:
Pregame warmups capped at 10 minutes
Cooling breaks to include ice slushies, ice blocks (e.g., Zooper Doopers), frozen grapes, etc.
Players to arrive hydrated and continue hydration throughout the day
Cold snacks and individual cooling tools such as ice towels and buckets at breaks
Nutrient-rich meals pre-game
For more information on the Extreme Heat Policy, please refer to the National Community Football Policy Handbook.
AFLNT appreciates the cooperation of all clubs, coaches, volunteers, and families in prioritising the health and safety of everyone involved in this weekend’s games.