Heat Policy
S&DBA
Heat Policy
The Association defines severe heat as being over 31 degrees ambient temperature or over 26 degrees using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature as recommended by Sports Medicine Australia
Sports Medicine Australia guidelines for severe heat include recommendations that in periods of severe heat games be postponed or delayed, the duration and intensity of an activity be limited, participants pay extra attention to hydration and players be rested and rotated.
S&DBA believes that these guidelines can be met, and the safety of members protected by:
1. Reminding all coaches, players and officials of the need to ensure that anyone participating in basketball is adequately hydrated. Participants need to be hydrated before, not just during, activity. Responsibility for this provision rests with the coach of a junior team, the individual players of a senior team and the Referee Controller for referees
2. Expecting coaches to use time outs and subbing of players in a way that maximises breaks for their players.
3. Introducing extra rest periods by playing the game in four 10 minute quarters with the clock stopping for 1 minute at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters. The half time break will be increased to three minutes.
4. Continuing to ensure that the majority of games and training sessions are held before 11:00 am and after 3:00 pm
5. Maintaining the right of the Referee Controller or Stadium Administrator, in consultation with the Court Controller and any Board member present, to delay or cancel games in extreme cases.
