Training

For midweek Trainings – If the morning of the scheduled training, the reported (Expected) maximum temperature in the Advertised is 38** degrees or above, all trainings will be cancelled for that day/evening.

For Sunday Trainings – If the reported (expected) maximum temperature in the Sunday Mail is 38** degrees or above, all trainings will be cancelled for that day.

**Please note training in air conditioned stadiums will not be cancelled due to heat.

Games

BSA District Basketball Competition

This Hot Weather Policy solely relates to the cancellation policy for District Basketball games and has been developed to alert Clubs, players, coaches, officials and parents/care givers when a game will definitely be cancelled due to extreme heat.

On days when the forecast maximum temperature as published in the printed version of the Advertiser/Sunday Mail (early edition) that day is 38 degrees or higher, all junior games will be cancelled or postponed, except those at air-conditioned stadiums (currently the Dome and Starplex meet this criteria).

On days when the predicted maximum temperature as published in the Advertiser/Sunday Mail that day is 35 degrees or higher, timing rules for all games will be modified as follows:

• Referees to call a time-out at the half way point of each period, if one has not already been called.
• The quarter, half and three quarter time breaks to be extended by a minute Basketball SA understands that the actual temperature on any given day may differ from the published temperature due to late changes. If this occurs two things may occur:

1. A cool change reduces the temperature below 38 degrees – If this occurs after the printed version of the Advertiser/Sunday Mail has already forecast a temperature of 38 degrees or higher then games will still be cancelled or postponed.
2. The forecast is less than 38 degrees in the Advertiser/Sunday Mail, however a late change increases the temperature above 38 degrees. If this occurs then two options exist:

b. Stadium Management has the ability to postpone games if they believe the conditions are considered unsafe.

Guidelines for playing in Hot Weather – Under 38 degrees

Basketball SA has adopted the following guidelines regarding the playing of basketball in hot weather conditions, which relates to players and officials. Irrespective of the predicted maximum temperature, stadium managers, coaches, team managers and referees should adopt the following as appropriate, in cases of hot weather:

Stadium Managers should:

• Take steps to maximise airflow and reduce heat build up in stadia,
• Make an assessment of playing conditions and advise referees and coaches,
• Cancel or postpone games if playing conditions are considered unsafe.

Coaches should:

• Ascertain whether any players have known medical conditions which may be affected by heat,
• Ensure that players take adequate fluid during the game,
• Make substitutions as appropriate,
• Utilise available time-outs.

Referees should:

• Call additional time-outs
• Extend the breaks between quarters

Team managers should:

• Ensure that players take adequate fluid before, during and after the game,
• Be alert and react to any signs of distress/potential distress in players,
• Ascertain whether players have medical conditions which may be affected by weather conditions

As well as the temperature forecast it is recommended that humidity be considered, as high humidity can create stressful conditions. No-one should ever feel as though they must play if they believe it is unsafe or they are feeling distressed.