Hot Weather Play Guidelines
1. Authority
Croquet Queensland acknowledges a duty of care for all involved and those participating in CAQ Events.
2. Responsibility
The Tournament Manager is the person with prime responsibility. All officials, including Referees, are equally tasked with ensuring players’ well-being in hot weather.
3. Personal Responsibility
Players should be aware of their own health during hot weather periods. If you feel unwell you are to report that to the Tournament Manager.
4. Recognising symptoms of heat related illness.
Whilst even the fittest athlete can fall victim to heat-related illness, those over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to heat stress. The older the person the greater the risk.
| Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
|---|---|
| Symptoms you may experience. | Brain Symptoms may include |
| Headache | Confusion |
| Dizziness | Agitation |
| Weakness | Fast developing symptoms |
| Nausea | Heat Stroke is a Medical Emergency |
| Vomiting | |
| Signs | Confusion |
| Fainting | Unsteadiness |
| Elevated heart rate | Aggressive behaviour |
| Falling blood pressure | Elevated vital signs |
| Elevated core temperature | Low blood pressure |
| Absence of brain symptoms | |
| Immediate Management | Cool the body with ice and water |
| Move to shade | If you believe the situation is critical, dial 000 |
| Remove as much clothing as possible | Cool first and transport second |
| Apply cool water to the skin | |
| Take additional fluids | |
| Lie on back with legs elevated | |
| Watch closely for worsening symptoms |
| Temperature | Action |
|---|---|
| Temperature reaches 30C | Address all players and advise regarding temperature |
| Temperature between 30 and 35C | Tournament manager should reduce playing time per game and extend rest periods between matches. Suggested play should be 45 minutes periods with 15 minute rest periods |
| Temperature over 35C | Suspend play and move all players and officials to an air-conditioned room if possible. |
Please note: the higher the humidity the higher the risk of heat exhaustion
This is general advice and does not supersede the CAQ Adverse Playing Conditions policy.