FTGDCA Extreme Weather Policy  2007/08

Guidelines

THIS POLICY SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE FTGDCA WHEN THE TEMPRETURE FOR MELBOURNE IS FORECAST AT 38C at 10.00 am ON THE MORNING OF THE MATCH.  SHOULD THE  POLICY BE IMPLEMENTED NOTIFICATION SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE FTGDCA ADVERSE WEATHER LINE 9513 1353.   

Match Cancellations – Should the extreme weather policy be implemented, the Executive Committee may under the circumstances, cancel all lower grade senior matches below and including Division 5.   If both captains agree in lower grades, they may cancel the day’s play.    This notice will be communicated via email to all clubs and posted on the recorded service 9513 1353 (on cover of handbook)       

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

Drinks – Umpires shall allow additional drink breaks without concern as to the extra time beyond the scheduled playing time.   Any participant may call for additional drink breaks whilst batting, fielding or umpiring, although every effort should be taken to minimise when this occurs.  For example, the drinks should be run onto the ground immediately conclusion of an over and batsmen 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 at the completion of an over without disrupting play.

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

Tea Break – Officially appointed umpires or captains 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.

Slow Play – Where the required number of overs is not bowled within the scheduled time umpires/captains  are to show appropriate leniency where delays are reasonably due to extreme heat affecting the team.    Play can be extended until 7.30 pm.  If no result by 7.30 pm the match shall be drawn.             

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.    If a team has more than the named eleven players, they may, after notifying the umpire, rotate fieldsman to rest players in extreme heat conditions.     Umpires and captains are to pay particular attention to junior players who have played junior cricket earlier in the day for signs of heat stress.     

Heat Stress - Any player observed to suffering from heat stress is to be sent from the field by the umpire or captain immediately.

Umpires – Where an umpire feels that his health or judgement may suffer because of extreme heat, he may take a break from his duties, after arranging an appropriate substitute.

First Aid – 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 treatment of heat affected patients.

Lightning – Where an umpire believes that lightning poses a threat to the safety of participants, play may be suspended and safe shelter taken.     Any time lost for lightning shall be treated in the same manner as for wet weather.     

Early Finish – If the extreme weather policy has been invoked, both captains (if agreeable) may call the game off early after there has been a first innings result, however, both captains must agree for an early finish.

FTGDCA Adverse Weather Line   9513 1353                    (recorded message)