FFSA Extreme Weather Policy

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With the extreme weather forecasted today, Thursday 6 December 2018, it is timely to remind everyone of the requirements in relation to FFSA Extreme Weather Policy.

Given the expected weather forecast is 39 degrees in Adelaide today, outdoor training for all age groups including seniors is to be cancelled.

Any indoor training may only proceed if the venue is air conditioned.

The full Policy can be viewed here - FFSA Extreme Weather Policy.

Key Information from the Policy

Training Requirements during Hot Weather

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is to be utilised to access temperature information for determining whether a training session or activity should be undertaken due to hot weather. The site can be accessed either at www.bom.gov.au or an app is now available for use on any smart phone. In utilising either of these sites, a specific location can be used to gain the temperature. It is the responsibility of each Club to access temperature information to determine whether a training session should proceed noting the provisions set out at paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 in the policy.
The table below is to be used by clubs and associations to determine whether OUTDOOR training is to continue or be cancelled. Indoor training in an air-conditioned venue may continue.

Ambient temperature	Under 6 – 11 Junior Competitions	Under 12 -17 Junior Competitions, Community and Master Competitions	Senior Men and Women Elite Competitions	Full-Time Pathway Programs
Up to 31C	Training can continue	Training can continue	Training can continue	Training can continue
32 – 35 C	Training is to be cancelled	Training can continue if is held and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm	Training can continue	Training can continue
36 – 38C	Training is to be cancelled	Training is to be cancelled	Training can continue if is held and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm	Training can continue if is held and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm
39C and above	ALL OUTDOOR TRAINING IS TO BE CANCELLED	ALL OUTDOOR TRAINING IS TO BE CANCELLED	ALL OUTDOOR TRAINING IS TO BE CANCELLED	ALL OUTDOOR TRAINING IS TO BE CANCELLED

The temperatures outlined in the table are the maximum cancellation temperatures. The club may deem that cancellation of training is necessary at lower temperatures due to the localised conditions, including humidity. The club can check the humidity prior to commencing the training or the activity by reviewing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) at http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDS65004.shtml. If the WBGT is 26 or greater then the activity must be cancelled.

Competition Requirements during Hot Weather

FFSA will determine whether the hot weather policy needs to be activated based on the temperature provided on the Bureau of Metrology (BOM) website. A decision to cancel games will be determined by FFSA and notified to all stakeholders at least 24 hours prior to the game.
Depending on the location of the competition venue, FFSA will utilise the weather forecast in the area closest to the venue including Adelaide, Elizabeth and Noarlunga and regional areas when making decisions.
The table below will be implemented to determine the cause of action that FFSA will take regarding Hot Weather;

Ambient temperature	Under 6 – 11 Junior Competitions	Under 12 -17 Junior Competitions, Community and Master Competitions	Senior Men and Women Elite Competitions	Full-Time Pathway Programs
Up to 31C	Games are to be played	Games are to be played	Games are to be played	Games are to be played
32 – 35C	Games are to be Cancelled	Games are to be rescheduled. Games To be played and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm	Games are to be played	Games are to be played
36 – 38C	Games are to be Cancelled	Games are to be Cancelled	Games are to be rescheduled. Games To be played and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm	Games are to be rescheduled. Games To be played and completed by 11.00am or commenced after 6.00pm
39C and above	ALL GAMES ARE TO BE CANCELLED	ALL GAMES ARE TO BE CANCELLED	ALL GAMES ARE TO BE CANCELLED	ALL GAMES ARE TO BE CANCELLED

Where a game is played involving juniors and the temperature is 27 degrees or higher, a drink break is to be held in each half of the game. The drink break should be a maximum of 2 minutes in duration. The timing of the drink break is at the discretion of the match official but should occur, where possible, at the half way point of each half. (The match official in consultation with the clubs may deem drink breaks are necessary if the temperature is below 27 degrees due to local conditions and player welfare).
Where a game is played involving adult participants and the temperature is 32 degrees or higher, a drink break is to be held in each half of the game. The drink break should be a maximum of 2 minutes in duration. The timing of the drink break is at the discretion of the match official but should occur, where possible, at the half way point of each half. (The match official in consultation with the clubs may deem drink breaks are necessary if the temperature is below 32 degrees due to local conditions and player welfare).
A junior player is classified as any player that participates in the Junior Age Competitions.