Scope

This policy applies to all members, players, referees, officials, and spectators of the Southern Peninsula Basketball Association (SPBA) who participate in activities at any of the association's courts.

Audience

This policy applies to all members, players, referees, officials, and spectators of the Southern Peninsula Basketball Association (SPBA).

Climate Policy

When the indoor temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius at any court, all basketball activities shall be cancelled. This includes practices, games, and any other events scheduled to take place on the affected court.

In the case of Court 3 at Dromana, if the temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius on Court 1 and Court 2 but below on Court 3, basketball activities on Court 3 shall be allowed to continue. However, organisers must continuously monitor the temperature and consider cancelling activities on Court 3 if the temperature rises to dangerous levels.

Stadium staff will have access to an instrument to measure the indoor temperature. On days where the weather outside exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the inside temperature should be checked and recorded on the temperature record log. This record will serve as evidence of compliance with the policy.

Additionally, where the indoor temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, the reduced 'Heat Rule' modifications will be enforced.

For competition this rule includes:

• 2 x 16 minute halves instead of the usual duration.
• A compulsory referee's timeout at the first stoppage at or after the 8-minute mark, where the clock will stop.
• Half time will be increased by 1 minute to allow players to rest and cool down.

• More frequent drink breaks
• Limit aerobic and/or full court activity
• Reducing session time

It is important to note that VJBL and Big V competitions operate under Basketball Victoria policy, which may have alternate guidelines and rules regarding extreme weather conditions.

Risk Minimization and Contingency

All persons involved in the organisation of games must be aware of the effect that extremes of weather can have on players and attendees. It is the responsibility of the organisers to put in place adequate contingencies for minimizing the risk to all individuals, particularly when high temperatures are expected.

To ensure proper risk minimization and contingency, the following measures must be taken by game organizers when high temperatures are expected:

• Ensure full knowledge of the availability of first aid equipment and first aid and medical personnel, making this information accessible to all attendees.
• Instruct referees and other officials to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and be on the alert to notice any such symptoms.
• Direct referees to initiate regular extra time-outs during the game and to shorten the game if necessary, taking into account the health and safety of the players.
• Make players aware of the need to hydrate regularly before and after the game and ensure facilities are available for them to do so.
• Provide facilities for players and other individuals to externally cool themselves with water, fans, or other appropriate means.
• Ensure adequate supplies of ice and ice packs are available for use where appropriate.
• Offer proper advice to coaches and players on the effects of heat, symptoms of heat stress, the need for proper hydration, and the facilities available to prevent or treat heat stress.

Temperature Monitoring

All stadiums must be fitted with a thermometer to facilitate temperature monitoring. On hot days, the court temperature must be taken hourly while the stadium is in use, and the readings must be recorded in a permanent record kept at the stadium.

If the stadium is divided into sections, the temperature must be taken in each section to ensure accurate monitoring of the conditions.

Refunds & Cancellations