Where there is extreme heat during play, the safety of the player is paramount. Extra Drinks breaks should be taken as a precaution and bowling overs per player should be reduced.
Symptoms of heat injury or heat stroke
Cricket is a summer sport and as such it is inevitable that at times, matches will be scheduled for play during extreme heat conditions.
All captains, officials, team managers, coaches and umpires owe a duty of care to players and officials and should take all reasonable steps to minimise foreseeable risks which may result in injury or damage.
High intensity exercise in a hot environment can lead to: dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a potentially fatal condition and must be treated immediately by a medical professional.
It is important to be aware and react quickly to the following symptoms of heat injury or heat stroke:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Confusion; and
- Light-headedness
Emergency plan
- Lie the victim down
- Loosen and remove excessive clothing & cool by fanning
- Give cool water to drink if conscious
- Apply wrapped ice packs to groins and armpits
- Seek medical assistance
These symptoms indicate players should stop playing, drink more fluids and cool down. Seek medical treatment if these symptoms don’t improve rapidly.
Also remember to keep an eye on other players or officials who may not realise they are suffering from dehydration or heat stress.
Timing of matches and training
Where possible, avoid scheduling training and matches during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm.
Early morning or night games minimise the likelihood of unacceptable playing conditions
Hydration
The Cricket Australia Policy refers to the following guidelines regarding hydration practices for matches held during hot weather.
- Drinks breaks should occur every 30-60 minutes in all matches (every 30 minutes in conditions of extreme temperature);
- Water is the most appropriate drink for re-hydration. However diluted cordial or sports drinks may be supplied. Flavoured drinks may be particularly palatable to children who have consistently poor drinking habits during exercise;
- Drinks should be available for individual players between drinks breaks. Umpires should be advised when additional drinks are sought and players should make every effort to ensure no time is wasted;
- Players should be encouraged to have their own drink bottles. This ensures that each player has access to an adequate level of replacement fluids and reduces the risk of contamination and viruses; and
- Where cups and a large container are used, cups should not be dipped into the container. Used cups should be washed or disposed of after use. Do not share cups.
Additional considerations in regard to hydration
- The local rules should state who is responsible for ensuring adequate water or other drinks are available;
- Consideration should be given to relaxing slow over rate penalties to allow for additional drinks breaks (which should be completed as soon as possible);
- Drink bottles also may be made available with club square leg umpires or stored underground on the field if a suitable facility exists (eg. covered tap box); and
- Encourage players and officials to drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) with no restrictions placed on players getting drinks, placing them on the field etc.
Clothing
It is essential that everyone is made aware of the importance of:
- Wearing long sleeved shirts
- Wide brimmed hats
- The appropriate application and re-application of SPF 30+ sunscreen
- The use of wet towels; and
- Sunglasses.
