Media Release
Date:
Thursday 11th February 2010
Contact:
SunSmart: Jane Thomas Media & Communications Advisor 0408 567 521
Smartplay: Amanda Wilson National Media Manager 0412 224 729
Sports clubs hit skin cancer and heat illness for six!
New research shows need for UV and heat guide for sports clubs
Victorian sports participants will be better protected from UV exposure and heat under new
guidelines developed by SunSmart and Smartplay.
The UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide was launched today with the help of Victorian
cricketer and DEC Bushranger Bryce McGain. The resource aims to help the Victorian sporting
community take a balanced approach to UV and prevent and manage heat illness at club level.
A 2009 survey found that more than half of Victorian State Sporting Associations (SSAs) didn’t
have a policy for sporting clubs to manage overexposure to UV radiation and just under half
didn’t have a policy around heat illness.
However, it also found that the majority of Victorian SSAs would implement a combined UV
and heat policy if provided with up to date information on what to do.
SunSmart Manager, Sue Heward said playing sport and active recreation are common
activities where people get sunburnt, especially adolescents.
“Sadly, Australia is one of the skin cancer capitals of the world. In Victoria, UV levels are high
enough from September to April to cause skin damage (from tanning and sunburn) and
increase the risk of skin cancer,” said Ms Heward. “In the winter months, UV levels are also
high in alpine areas and near reflective surfaces like snow.
“Sporting clubs can play a very important role in managing UV exposure throughout the year,
but until now there hasn’t been unified direction across the state.”
Executive Officer of Sports Medicine Australia Lynne Sheehan said anybody who is active
should prepare for hot conditions or run the risk of heat injury.
“Heat illness can become a problem if sports personnel are unaware of how to prevent and
manage it. This lack of knowledge could potentially place sport participants’ health at risk,“ Ms
Sheehan said.
“This Guide ultimately assists sports participants and administrators recognise and manage
potentially dangerous weather situations.”
Ms Heward said overexposure to UV and heat illness doesn’t just occur in hot weather.
“UV levels can be damaging whether it is 20 or 40 degrees and even if it’s cloudy or overcast.
This can be the same for heat illness when exercising,” she said.
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“The Guide is an easy to use resource which can be adjusted to reflect the particular
regulations and policies of each sport. It helps clubs identify when an event or training should
be cancelled or modified and what can be done to prevent injury and illness to players,
spectators, coaches and officials.”
Cricket Victoria General Manager Game Development John Watkin said the new guidelines
are a fantastic initiative and something Cricket Victoria proudly supports.
“The UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide will play an important role in cricket,” he said. “It is
inevitable that at times matches will be scheduled for play during extreme heat conditions so
it’s important we have a policy in place to combat the heat.
“Cricket Victoria has an Extreme Heat Guideline that was created in conjunction with Sports
Medicine Australia to help prevent heat illness and manage players within all Victorian cricket
competitions.”
“Cricketers also face extreme UV conditions being out in the field for long periods so we
encourage players at all levels of the game to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and
consider the option of a long sleeve top.”
The UV Exposure and Heat Illness Guide can be used by all active individuals and
organisations in Victoria including State Sporting Associations, Regional Sports Assemblies,
Local Government Authorities, clubs, schools and providers of physical activity.
Developed by SunSmart and Smartplay, the guide provides up to date information on UV
exposure and heat illness, tips for creating, reviewing and implementing local guidelines, a
modifiable UV exposure and heat illness checklist and real-life examples.
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Further information
SunSmart aims to increase awareness of the need for a balanced approach to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation to prevent and minimise the adverse effects of UV exposure and promote the benefits
of vitamin D. It is jointly funded by Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth.
sunsmart.com.au
Smartplay is a sport safety and injury prevention program that aims to reduce the incidence and
severity of sport and recreation injuries. It is managed by Sports Medicine Australia and funded
by VicHealth and the Department of Planning and Community Development (Sport and
Recreation Victoria).
smartplay.com.au
NEWS 
