What's New
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Smartplay Snippets
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Welcome to the new look Smartplay web-site! You will find a huge amount of information on sport, sports injuries and their prevention as well as information on improving your sports performance.
Each month is Smartplay Snippets we will address a topical issue related to sport, recreation, physical activity and injury prevention. So visit us regularly to get all the latest.
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Hot Weather Guidelines
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Issue 1 |
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This month's issue is an important one for the health of those participating in physical activity during hot weather. In South Australia this year we have had the hottest summer on record since 1908!! It has been uncomfortable to live not alone to participate in physical activity.
We have had lots of enquiries on the safety of participation in these extreme conditions.
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Safe participation in the heat is an issue for coaches, administrators, parents and participants alike. Sports Medicine Australia (SA Branch) has Hot Weather Guidelines to assist organisations and individuals make informed decisions about modification or cancellation of training and events in extreme conditions.
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One important consideration in deciding to modify or cancel training or events is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT takes into account not just the air temperature but also the humidity. The level of humidity has an effect on the body's ability to cool itself through the evaporation of perspiration. The WBGT is the best available measure at the current time. Ideally the WBGT should be measured at the actual venue and just prior to participation. As this is not always practical the Bureau of Meteorology (South Australia)
has provided a service to assist you.
Use this in conjunction with the SMA - SA Guidelines.
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If you are an administrator of sport or physical activity you should also consider developing a hot weather policy that outlines:
- who is responsible for making the decision to cancel or modify,
- when does this decision get made,
- how is it communicated to your participants,
- what are the implications for individuals or individual teams if they choose to not participate due to the conditions.
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Enjoy the rest of your summer sport.
Stay tuned for more Smartplay Snippets!
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