With hot summers becoming more frequent the following has been produced to help clubs and players manage their safety on hot days:
- Take regular breaks. In hot weather play may stop for 5 minutes at the request of any player, on the completion of an end, to allow a shade break, the taking of drinks and/or a comfort break – which is likely if you’ve been drinking plenty. It is also recommended that a 5 minute break is taken in any event after an hour of continuous play.
- In hot weather it is important to make sure you are suitably hydrated. Drink plenty and drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best. Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these can cause dehydration.
- Get into the habit of applying sunscreen before you start. Apply a broad-spectrum sun cream with an SPF 30 or higher and paying special attention to your ears and nose and any other exposed areas prone to burning. Cleaning palms with alcohol gel and drying with a small towel will help to avoid a slippery grip whilst playing.
- Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are prone to excessive sweating.
- Wear a cap, or better still a brimmed hat which offers greater protection.
- Wear light clothing that protects arms and legs. Consider flipping the collar up on tops for added protection.
- Whilst spectating seek a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
In the event of the UK Health Security Agency issuing an Amber hot weather warning for our area clubs with any concerns may seek to re-arrange a match in accordance with Match Play Rule 3 for ‘Bad weather’. For hvba competition ‘Finals Days’ the start time may be brought forward in order to facilitate an extended break between rounds, this being in addition to the abovementioned regular breaks.
In the event of a Red heat warning matches must be brought forward to commence at 10:00am or failing this rescheduled to a future date. Competition ‘Finals Days’ will commence at the earlier time of 10:00am, in addition to applying the abovementioned breaks.
Know the symptoms and what to do if you or anyone else is affected by the heat.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, high temperature.
If you think you have heat exhaustion you should move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water. If you can, take a lukewarm shower or sponge yourself down with cold water.
Heat stroke
If heat exhaustion is untreated, you could develop heatstroke. Heatstroke can also occur suddenly and without any warning.
Symptoms of heatstroke include: headache, nausea, intense thirst, sleepiness, hot, red and dry skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions, loss of consciousness
If you have these symptoms during a heatwave, rest for a few hours, keep cool and drink water. If the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, seek medical advice.
Heatstroke may develop very suddenly and can lead very quickly to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
While waiting for the ambulance:
- Move the person somewhere cooler if possible
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
- Cool them down as quickly as possible by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet
- If they are conscious, give them water to drink
- Don’t give them aspirin or paracetamol
Look out for people at greater risk during hot weather, this includes:
Older people, especially those over 75 years of age
People on certain types of medication – ask your doctor if you are at risk
People with a chronic health condition such as breathing or heart problems
People who already have a high temperature from an infection
Note – this is not an exhaustive list.
For full details of Government guidance for staying safe in hot weather please refer to