SCOPE
The HK&HDCAs Extreme Heat Policy applies to all Players, Player Support Personnel and Match Officials (collectively known as Participants) involved in any Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills District Cricket Association (HK&HDCA) Senior competition.
This policy has been adapted from the Sydney Cricket Association’s (SCA’s) 2020/21
Extreme Heat Policy.
INTRODUCTION
This policy aims to ensure that decisions made during conditions of extreme heat are objective and automatic for the benefit of players, umpires and administrators.
It is recognised that HK&HDCA matches are not resourced with medical and emergency support to the extent of First Class matches and therefore it may be unsafe to continue play during conditions of extreme heat.
APPLICATION
This Policy shall apply to all HK&HDCA Seniors matches.
1. TEMPERATURE THRESHOLD
Where a temperature threshold is stated, the following measurements shall apply.
a) Air Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the air is. It is the most
commonly measured weather parameter;
b) Feels Like Temperature: The “Feels like” temperature is a measurement of how hot or cold it really feels like outside. The “Feels Like” temperature relies on environmental data including the ambient air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed to determine how weather conditions feel to bare skin. The “feels like” temperature may vary from the air temperature depending on the level of humidity and wind.
2. SMARTPHONE APP
The BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) Weather App is to be the official App for sourcing temperature data. The App displays the actual air temperature as well as the “feels like” temperature at a particular location. Smartphone location settings must be enabled.
Alternative weather apps may be used if the BOM App’s data appears to be inaccurate or not up to date.
3. ADDITIONAL DRINKS INTERVALS AND EXTENDED INTERVALS
Prior to the commencement of play, the umpires and captains shall conduct a heat safety briefing –
a) to determine increasing the number and duration of drinks intervals and allowing players and umpires to leave the field of play during drinks intervals; and b) to determine whether to extend the duration of lunch and/or afternoon tea intervals.
4. CESSATION, RESUMPTION AND ABANDONMENT OF PLAY
a) Cessation of Play: In the event that either the Air temperature or the “Feels Like” temperature reaches or exceeds 42 degrees Celsius, the umpires shall cease play.
b) Resumption of Play: Following a cessation of play under 4 (a) above, play shall only resume if the air temperature drops to, or below, 38 degrees Celsius within 1 hour after a cessation of play, otherwise, the day’s play shall be abandoned.
c) Abandonment of Play:
i. The day’s play shall be abandoned in the event that play does not resume
within 1 hour after a cessation of play (refer 4b above); or
ii. Notwithstanding 4 (c) (i) above, the umpires, in consultation with the
captains, may abandon the day’s play immediately following a cessation, if
the BOM App’s hourly forecast does not show a fall in temperature to 38
degrees within 1 hour after the cessation. In other words, there may be no
requirement to wait 1 hour before a decision is made to abandon the day’s
play.
d) There shall be no discretion to allow a resumption of that day’s play once play has been abandoned due to extreme heat.
5. PLAYER HEALTH AND WELFARE
Notwithstanding (4) above, the umpires shall have the sole discretion to abandon play if they consider that, to continue play during prolonged or excessive heat, it would be dangerous to the health and welfare of any, or all, of the participants. To assist the umpires in exercising their discretion, they may –
a) take into account any apparent signs of heat stress being displayed by any of the participants.
b) refer to an air temperature thermometer, if properly installed in the shade at the match venue.
6. ADVANCE CANCELLATION OF AN ENTIRE DAY’S PLAY
The SCC has the power to cancel a day’s play in the event that, on the day prior to scheduled play, the forecast temperature is 44 degrees or more.
7. AMENDMENT TO PLAYING TIME
By monitoring 7-day temperature forecasts and seeking to maximise opportunities for play during times of extreme heat, the SCC has the power to reschedule the start of play to 9.00am in any match, in order to maximise the opportunity for play during a cooler time of day.
The SCC will seek to provide clubs with ample advance notice that an amendment to playing time may be imminent.
All participants in every match are to strive to maximise opportunities to play.
NB: In matches where no official umpire is appointed both team captains shall be responsible for adherence to this policy
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