Extreme Heat Predictions
High temperatures are forecast for the opening round of the White Lady Women’s Pennant and the Tobin Brothers Men’s Pennant this coming weekend, 4-5 February. Records show that high temperatures frequently occur throughout February.
This Circular deals with a number of issues relating to extremely hot weather:
· New Conditions of Play relating to extreme heat
· Suspension of play
· Options to vary the starting time of Pennant matches on days of extreme heat
· Health and safety of players
· Sensible measures for all players to take on days of extreme heat High temperatures are forecast for the opening round of the White Lady Women’s Pennant and the Tobin Brothers Men’s Pennant this coming weekend, 4-5 February. Records show that high temperatures frequently occur throughout February.
This Circular deals with a number of issues relating to extremely hot weather:
· New Conditions of Play relating to extreme heat
· Suspension of play
· Options to vary the starting time of Pennant matches on days of extreme heat
· Health and safety of players
· Sensible measures for all players to take on days of extreme heat
New Conditions of Play
The 2017 Bowls ACT Conditions of Play will be published this week. In line with changes to Bowls Australia’s Weather Policy and similar changes made to the Conditions of Play elsewhere in Australia, Combined Match Committee has made changes at 2.15 (d) concerning extreme heat.
This section requires play to cease if the ambient temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or the apparent temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius.
Measurement
The responsibility for measurement rests with the host club which has two options:
(i) Use a suitably installed weather station which records and calculates reliable ambient temperatures and apparent temperatures at the venue, or
(ii) Use the nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) weather station readings which are posted on the BoM web site every half-hour.
Compact weather stations for this purpose can be purchased at hardware or electronics stores. There is a wide range of available models that are not particularly expensive. They should be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. After installation, a series of readings should be compared with those of the nearest BoM weather station to confirm that they appear to be reasonable and reliable (allowing for local variations).
If using the BoM readings on match days, clubs should use the nearer of the two BoM weather stations for the Canberra region that post results half-hourly. These are Canberra Airport and Tuggeranong. Weston Creek and Tuggeranong Bowling Clubs should use the Tuggeranong weather station readings. All other clubs (including Yass and Bungendore) should use the Canberra Airport readings.
The web sites are:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60903/IDN60903.94926.shtml (Canberra Airport)
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60903/IDN60903.94925.shtml (Tuggeranong)
Commercial weather apps on smart phones and other electronic devices are not to be used because some of these have been found to be inaccurate and unreliable.
Measurements are to be checked half-hourly by the Controlling Body. Where this is not possible (e.g. if the person acting as Controlling Body is playing) the Side Managers are to check the readings.
Suspension of Play
If the temperature reaches either of the thresholds specified, players may complete the end being played, after which play will be suspended by the Controlling Body (or umpire) until the temperatures drop below those thresholds.
On suspension of play all players and officials should leave the green and move indoors or to a cool shaded area.
If the temperatures have not dropped below the specified thresholds for 60 minutes from the time of suspension of play, the Controlling Body (or umpire) may abandon play for the day.
If play is abandoned for the day, Condition of Play 3.2.7 will apply. That is, if an aggregate of 45 ends (Men) or 30 ends (Women) have been played the match will be declared complete with all shots up to the last completed end counted toward the final scores. If this condition has not been met the match will be completed on a day to be scheduled (see Condition of Play 3.2.12).
Options to Vary the Starting Time on Days of Extreme Heat
Women’s Pennant matches start at 10:30am throughout the season. For Men, the Pennant draw has been published with earlier start times in February (11am) in order to avoid the period of peak temperatures in the Canberra region, which typically occur between 3pm and 6pm. There are, however, options to start Pennant games at an earlier time under Condition of Play 3.2.8:
· CMC may declare any or all matches must start at an earlier time. It will normally do this several days in advance (to allow players and greenkeepers to prepare) if temperatures are forecast to be exceptionally high on the scheduled playing day.
· Any two sides concerned about the forecast of hot weather may start the game earlier on the same day by mutual agreement and without the need for prior CMC approval. If practicable, it is recommended any such agreement be confirmed by email between the two side managers prior to the playing day to ensure there are no misunderstandings or disputes.
Health and Safety of Players
The principle behind these new Conditions of Play is that the Health and Safety of bowlers is paramount. Clubs, officials and players are urged to follow that principle at all times.
It is recommended that at a minimum clubs:
· Provide an ample supply of free, cool water to enable players to stay hydrated
· Provide shade structures or shelters where players may sit or stand when not on the mat or at the head
· Be aware of first aid steps for recognising and dealing with heat stress and heat stroke
· Encourage players to look after their health and safety on days of extreme heat
· Look out for susceptible players and officials (e.g. older players and those with known health conditions likely to be affected by the heat)
Sensible Measures for Players
On days of extreme heat players and officials are urged to:
· Monitor their own health and report to teammates, the side manager or an official immediately if they become unwell or feel faint
· Stay hydrated during play by drinking sufficient water or other non-alcoholic drinks
· Wear a hat and cool clothing that provides protection from direct sun
· Take opportunities to sit down in the shade when not required on the green
· Seek prior medical advice if suffering from a health condition likely to be exacerbated by extreme heat
· Keep an eye out for any players or officials who may be feeling the effects of the heat
If you have any questions or concerns about this matter please contact Kate on 6257 3560 or
0407 181 013.
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