Hot Weather
Player safety comes first during hot weather.
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.
Training
The Coach must check the gym thermometer when conditions are hot.
Below 30°C
Training can proceed normally. Players must have water available.
30°C to below 35°C
Training may continue with changes:
- Reduce the intensity.
- Avoid conditioning and sustained running drills.
- Provide frequent water breaks.
- Monitor players closely.
- Allow any player to stop without penalty.
35°C or above
Training must not commence or must be stopped.
- The Coach modifies or stops training when required.
- The Team Manager advises families through the team WhatsApp chat.
Training may be stopped at any temperature if a player becomes unwell. Call 000 if someone is seriously unwell.
Games
Game-day heat procedures and cancellations are managed by the competition, venue and match officials. Melbourne Wolves does not make these decisions.
SBA games
The SBA Referee Supervisor may activate the Extreme Heat Policy at their discretion. It must be activated when any court reaches 35°C.
When the policy is activated:
- Each half is reduced by two minutes.
- Half-time is extended to five minutes.
- The referee calls a mandatory timeout around halfway through each half.
- Players are monitored and encouraged to drink.
40°C
SBA games are cancelled when the temperature inside the stadium reaches 40°C.
SBA or the venue will advise teams of any changes or cancellations.
MBA games
MBA hot-weather procedures will be added once confirmed.
Hydration & Player Monitoring
At all times during hot weather:
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).
Responsibilities
Coaches & Team Officials
- Check the gym thermometer before and during training.
- Enforce hydration breaks.
- Modify or cancel training as per policy.
- Advise families through the team WhatsApp chat for any changes.
Referees & Officials (Games)
- Monitor court temperatures.
- Implement modified game rules when policy is activated.
- Communicate with teams and scorebench regarding timing changes.
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.
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.