Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club Inc.

SunSmart Cricket Policy

1.0 RATIONALE

Australia leads the world in skin cancer rates. On current figures, as many as two out of every three people who grow up in Australia can expect to get skin cancer at some time in their lives.

Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays (UVR) increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer and can also damage the eyes. Childhood exposure to UVR is a strong determinant of lifelong risk, so SunSmart behaviour needs to become a habit early in life.

Risk of cancer in adults, even those who have a long history of sun exposure, can also be reduced by consistent skin care. Steps to protect the skin from UVR need to be taken whenever activities are held outdoors since, even on cloudy days and winter, UVR levels can still be high enough to damage the skin.

  • Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club is committed to safer sport for all – reducing exposure to UVR is a key component of this.
  • This policy is designed to provide guidelines for incorporation of sun protection practices into the operations of this organization.
  • This organisation will provide leadership and support for its affiliates, mainly Narara-Wyoming Junior Cricket Club in adopting sun protection practices and policy.

 2.0 TO WHOM THE POLICY APPLIES

  • All players.
  • Officials, umpires, scorers, coaches and managers.
  • Administrators and volunteers.
  • Parents/carers of younger players.
  • Supporters and spectators.

3.0 AIMS

 To increase awareness of the importance of protecting both the skin and eyes from UVR and to increase knowledge of the ways to reduce exposure.

  • To incorporate sun protection into routine safer sport practices.
  • To incorporate sun protection into the uniforms and practices of all players.
  • To incorporate the promotion of sun protection into the responsibilities of the sport's role models, high profile players, officials, coaches, administrators/volunteers.
  • To incorporate sun protection measures into event planning and management.
  • To incorporate sun protection information and practices into training and development programs.
  • To encourage and support the adoption of sun protection practices and policy development by affiliates, mainly Narara-Wyoming Junior Cricket Club.

4.0 SUN PROTECTION GUIDELINES

Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club recommends the following practices for all players, officials, umpires, scorers, coaches, managers, administrators/volunteers, parents/carers, supporters and spectators:

  • Whenever possible, reduce the time spent outdoors when UVR levels are at their highest. The scheduling of cricket in mornings and late afternoons is encouraged.
  • Choose loose fitting clothing in a tightly woven fabric to cover as much skin as possible. A collar, worn up, and longer sleeves provide better protection.
  • Wear a hat with broad brim to protect the face, ears and neck, (Legionnaire style caps with a broad brim and back flap are also a good choice for younger players). Caps offer very little protection from UVR.
  • Apply broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply every two hours or when sunscreen has been wiped or washed off.
  • Whenever possible, wear wrap around sunglasses meeting the Australian Standard for UV protection, (labelled AS 1067 on the swing tag).
  • Whenever possible, use any available shade. Remember however, that reflected and scattered UVR can still burn the skin even in the shade.
  • It is important to be a good role model for younger players and encourage them to use sun protection measures.

These standards have been adopted by Cricket NSW in conjunction with the NSW Cancer Council. Cricket NSW recommends that affiliate groups follow the same guidelines and/or incorporate them into their own SunSmart Cricket Policy.

5.0 EVENT MANAGEMENT / MATCHDAYS / TRAINING

Narara-Wyoming  Cricket Club recommends:

  • Wherever possible schedule games/activities to avoid peak UVR times.
  • Improve provision for both permanent and temporary shade structures.
  • Encourage the use of broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen SPF 30 or higher for players, officials, umpires, scorers, coaches, managers and volunteers.
  • If possible, make regular announcements (at the start of games and then at least every 2 hours) over the public address system as a reminder to be sun safe.
  • Promote sun protection at events through;
    • Coaches/Managers pre-game checklists including (sun and other) safer sport practices.
    • Incentives/rewards for good sun protection behaviour by individuals/teams.
    • Posters in change rooms, meeting rooms, at access points to spectator seating.
  • Incorporate sun protection guidelines into event/matchday checklists.

6.0 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

All the Executive and Committee(s) performing duties for Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club will:

  • Incorporate sun protection information in manuals, training day content, promotional and resource materials.
  • Incorporate and implement sun protection behaviours and practices in the planning and conduct of activities.
  • Be good role models for sun protection and encourage others to protect themselves from UVR.

7.0 POLICY DISSEMINATION

Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club will inform all players, officials, umpires, scorers, coaches, managers, administrators/volunteers, parents/carers, supporters and spectators of the Club's SunSmart Policy and encourage them to adopt sun protection practices. This will be through:

  • Annually, at the AGM, inform all new Executive and Committee members of the Club's SunSmart Cricket Policy.
  • Upon registration, all players are to be given a copy of the SunSmart Cricket Policy.
  • Newsletters, fliers, items on the agendas or meetings and on the Club's website.
  • Incorporation of SunSmart Policy information into the organization's coaching manuals.
  • Support for coaches in policy development and implementation:
    • Information sessions/updates
    • Formulation of pre-game checklists (including sun and other safer sport practices).

8.0 POLICY REVIEW

In order to adapt to changing needs and keeping up with best practice, the SunSmart Cricket Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis.

The policy will next be reviewed: August 2001

 
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