Heat Policy
Melbourne Wolves Basketball Club
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all participants (players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators) involved in Club training sessions and games during periods of high temperature and extreme heat.
1. Purpose
This policy applies to:
- All Club training sessions
- All Club-run games and competitions
- All age groups, from junior to senior
2. Activation of Heat Policy
The Heat Policy is to be activated when either of the following triggers occur:
The court temperature reaches 35°C (as measured by a reliable thermometer on court), or
Outdoor training or game environment reaches 35°C+ (based on BOM forecast or real-time measurement at the venue).
Responsibility:
- For games — the Game/Competition Manager, Referee Supervisor or appointed Official will monitor temperatures and activate the policy.
- For training — the Head Coach or designated Adult Supervisor must monitor conditions and activate the policy when the threshold is reached.
3. Cancellation Threshold (35°C+)
If the court temperature (or ambient temperature where relevant) reaches or exceeds 35°C:
All games and training sessions must be cancelled immediately.
For games:
- Teams will be notified by SMS/email/club communication channels.
- The result of any abandoned games will be dealt with according to competition rules.
For training:
- Coaches must notify players via agreed communication channels.
4. Hydration & Player Monitoring
At all times during heat policy activation:
Hydration is mandatory — players must bring and have access to water at all times.
Coaches and officials must proactively monitor participants for signs of heat stress such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Excessive fatigue
- Confusion
- Headache
If a participant shows signs of heat illness, they should be removed from activity and cooled immediately (shade, ice towels, hydration), and first aid provided. If severe, call emergency services (000).
5. Responsibilities
5.1 Coaches & Team Officials
- Monitor weather and on-court conditions.
- Enforce hydration breaks.
- Modify or cancel activities as per policy.
5.2 Referees & Officials (Games)
- Monitor court temperatures.
- Implement modified game rules when policy is activated.
- Communicate with teams and scorebench regarding timing changes.
5.3 Players & Families
- Arrive hydrated and prepared with water bottles.
- Notify coach or official if feeling unwell due to heat.
- Respect decisions to modify or cancel activities for safety.
6. Communication
The Club will communicate any policy activation, game modifications or cancellations via:
7. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, and updated where necessary to reflect best practice guidelines and any relevant Basketball Victoria or venue-specific requirements.
Your safety is our priority. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and play safe.