I Play Indoors

Sports that takes place indoors are less likely to be affected by UV exposure. However, while outdoor sports are more vulnerable to UV exposure and the associated health risks, there are times when indoor sports can be affected. This might include:

• social or fundraising BBQs or functions that are held outdoors,
• away games/competitions/event held in outdoor settings,
• during break-times,
• training in outdoor settings.

These are all opportunities to promote UV protection, encourage your members to prevent the risk of harmful levels of UV exposure and provide environments that make it easier for members to be SunSmart.

Many of the tips and tools contained within this resource include small changes and ideas that can make a big impact to the reduction of UV exposure. Consider what is relevant to your circumstances, times that UV exposure may affect your members and what changes will work for your organisation.

Indoor sports are generally not as vulnerable to UV exposure and the associated health risks. However, in situations when UV exposure is likely it is recommended a combination of preventative measures be carried out by sporting organisations to minimise the risk. This can include but not limited to:

• Scheduling of sports outside of UV risk times (10am to 3pm) when UV levels are most likely categorised moderate to extreme risk;
• Providing shade;
• Providing and promoting sunscreen (for example, at outdoor training sessions);
• Providing and encouraging clothing protection (broad brimmed hat, long sleeve shirts, pants, sunglasses);
• Implementing a SunSmart policy to reinforce good practice in sport;
• Education, including knowledge of sun protection times, risk factors and sun protection behaviours;
• Promotion of weather conditions;
• Promotion and social marketing of UV protection strategies.

It is also important to be aware that hot weather is not a risk factor of UV exposure. Cooler climate conditions and cloudy days can also have high UV levels and therefore winter sports are just as likely to have occasions when UV protection is required. Additionally, water sports, snow sports and sports played on reflective surfaces, such as snow, sea, sand and bitumen are also at an increased risk of UV exposure.

Sporting organisations need to consider the individual characteristics of their sport when implementing UV protection strategies to effectively determine UV exposure risk. This should include examination of key individual aspects such as participation, umpiring, coaching and spectating together with:

• competing/participating and training schedules;
• time of day;
• duration of activity;
• rest breaks;
• uniform;
• available shade.

Sporting organisations have a duty of care for both junior and adult sport to enact safe UV environments to reduce the associated risk of overexposure to all ages.