Background

The VSDCA understands that playing cricket in extreme heat is a danger to participants, including players, officials and spectators.  In recognition of this, the Association has developed these guidelines to be adopted to reduce the likelihood of injuries and illness in those conditions.
 

The Association accepts that cricket is a game played during summer and that conditions of extreme heat are likely to be experienced and expected by participants.

The Association comprises four grades where the professionalism and standards of players and umpires vary considerably.  Players, particularly in the lower grades may be quite young and umpires may be quite elderly.  Another factor is that the R.M. Hatch Under 15 competition is played over periods of up to four days without a rest day during the hottest part of the summer.  Guidelines for this competition are issued separately.

It is also acknowledged that the weather and temperature conditions experienced at individual grounds throughout the playing areas of the Association can vary considerably.  The standard of grounds and the grass cover also impact the comfort levels of the participants.

Umpires are appointed as independent referees to adjudicate on difficult matters during a match.  These guidelines provide that there may be circumstances where umpires are required to make decisions which could directly determine which team or teams gain premiership points because of the intervention of extreme weather conditions.

Guidelines:

1.  General
The Association will not cancel games on days when extreme heat may be experienced.  The Association may however declare that a day is an “extreme weather day” and that these guidelines must be adopted by participants.

These guidelines are designed to be interpreted in such a way that games will proceed, subject to umpires taking appropriate action to apply the guidelines and alleviate the effects of extreme heat on all participants.

2.  Shade
Clubs should provide shaded areas where the batting team, spectators and scorers can shelter.

3.  Drinks
Umpires should allow additional drink breaks without concern as to the extra time taken beyond the scheduled playing time.  Any participant may call for additional drinks at any time while batting, fielding or umpiring, although every effort should be taken to minimise delays when this occurs.  For example, the drinks should be run onto the ground immediately at the conclusion of an over and batsmen must be ready to take strike with a minimum delay to the fielding team.

Bowlers may have drinks placed on the boundary line, which can be consumed during or at the completion of an over without disrupting play.

It is recommended that participants begin regular drinking routines using water or sports drinks before, during and after training and competition.  These practices should become habitual.
 

The electrolyte content of some sports drinks consumed following activity may shorten the time taken to recover, particularly in well-trained young athletes who sweat considerably.

Individuals may want to monitor weight changes before and after workouts to determine the amount of fluid they are likely to require.

4.  Sun Protection
Players are reminded of the need for frequent applications of sunscreen and the preference for long sleeved shirts to reduce exposure to the sun.  Hats are an essential item and the wide brimmed style is recommended, particularly on sunny days.

5.  Playing Times
Scheduled playing times will not be changed by the Association, however, umpires may schedule a longer tea break and play additional make up time after the scheduled time for stumps.  This is entirely at the umpires’ discretion.

On a declared extreme weather day, where a first innings result has been obtained on day one of a two day game, play shall cease, unless both captains agree to continue play.

On a declared extreme weather day, where a first innings result has been obtained on day two of a two day game, play shall cease, unless both captains agree to continue play.

6.  Slow Play
When the required number of overs is not bowled within the scheduled time, umpires should show appropriate leniency where delays are reasonably due to extreme heat affecting either team.

7.  Player Rotation
After notifying his captain and an umpire (if possible), a player may remove himself from the field at any time for reasons of heat stress.

A batsman who has left the field of play for reasons of heat stress may return at the fall of a wicket.  The batting team will be all out if there are no remaining batsmen.

Where a fieldsman has left the field of play for reasons of heat stress, the fielding team may use a substitute after notifying an umpire.  Fieldsmen may return at the conclusion of any over.  In accordance with the Laws of Cricket, the fieldsman may not bowl immediately on his return, where he has been absent from the field for a period of more than 15 minutes.

Captains, coaches and managers should consider a participant’s age, level of fitness and weight when supervising training or playing activities.

Umpires
Where an umpire feels that his health or judgement may suffer because of the exposure to heat, he may take a break from his duties, after arranging an appropriate substitute.  The appropriate substitute will depend on the circumstances of the match in which he is officiating, but it is likely to involve requiring the other appointed umpire to officiate at both ends and a club official or player to stand at square leg.  If the affected umpire is the only official (or club umpire), it will be necessary for an experienced club official or player to officiate.

Where two games are being conducted in close proximity, it may be possible to use an official umpire from another game, without detracting from the independence of the standing umpires.

8.  Illness and Treatment
Club first aid kits must include aids for the treatment of heat affected participants.  Every endeavour should be made to have a club member, who is properly skilled in the treatment of heat affected people, at home games.

A notice should be prominently included in or displayed near the first aid kit, explaining the treatment of heat affected patients.

Symptoms of heat illness may include:
            Light headedness, dizziness
            Nausea
            Obvious fatigue
            Cessation of sweating
            Obvious loss of skill and co-ordination/clumsiness/unsteadiness
            Confusion
            Aggressive or irrational behaviour
            Altered consciousness
            Collapse
            Ashen pale grey skin

Serious heat illness in sport presents as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Heat exhaustion is the more common sports related heat illness.  Heat stroke is rare, but is a life threatening condition.

The following action should be taken in cases of heat illness:
            Remove from the field
            Lay the person down in a cool place
            Raise legs and pelvis to improve blood pressure
            Remove excess clothing
            Cool by wetting skin liberally and vigorous fanning (evaporative cooling)
            Apply ice packs to groin, arm pits and neck
            Give cool water if conscious

Persons suffering from heat exhaustion usually recover rapidly with this assistance.

If the patient remains seriously ill, confused, vomiting or shows signs of altered consciousness call an ambulance immediately and seek medical help.  If in doubt, treat for heat stroke.  In that case:

            Continue cooling
            If available, cool in a shallow canvas/plastic bath of iced water (5 – 10 minutes)
            If necessary, cooling should continue during removal to hospital

9.  Lightning

Where an umpire believes that lightning poses a threat to the safety of participants, play must be suspended and safe shelter taken.  Frequent or close lightning would be a sufficient threat to participants.  However a single flash of lightning in the far distance would probably not, without further threatening circumstances, require the suspension of play.

Where a game has been suspended and the scheduled time for the cessation of play is reached, the game is abandoned.

Issued: September 19, 2007

The previous policy has been amended or clarified as follows:
1.            Tea times and breaks may be re-scheduled at the discretion of the umpires.
2.            All players may take breaks and be replaced by a substitute.  Bowlers remain subject to the Laws of Cricket.
3.            The Executive may declare days to be “Extreme Weather Days” and the policy must be applied.
4.            Play on the first day must conclude when a first innings result has been obtained.  Play on the second day is concluded when a first innings decision is reached.  In both cases, play may continue if both captains agree.
5.            The types of drinks suited to the condition are described.
6.            Include the benefits of pre-game preparation for extreme weather days.
7.            Include the benefits of post-game re-hydration.
8.            Suggests that checking your weight before and after exercise can provide a guide to the amount of fluid replacement required.
9.            Suggests that a player’s level of activity should take account of his age, fitness and size etc.
10.        Describes the signs of heat illness.
11.        Details the treatment of heat illness.
12.        Guidelines regarding the R.M. Hatch Under 15 competition are to be issued separately.