Checklists are a fantastic way to help your organisation review UV exposure. The results from your review can help to create a safe UV environment and potentially help develop guidelines and/or a policy.
SunSmart has a downloadable checklist that assesses factors specific to UV exposure including:
- Schedules, fixtures and rule modifications.
- Shade.
- Clothing.
- Sunscreen.
- Education and information.
- First aid.
Download the Heat Illness Checklist here
During the Healthy Sporting Environments program, Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club conducted a shade audit and reprogrammed events to avoid peak UV exposure times.
You can conduct a shade audit of your facility or club using Creating Effective Shade: SunSmart Shade Audit
This is an excellent online resource that provides a step by step guide to assess shade needs including the planning and development of new shade with assistance from SunSmart. Shade guidelines can also aid in this process.
Once you have determined the availability of shade and if additional shade is required your sporting organisation can:
- Utilise existing shade (trees, buildings, other structures);
- Provide shade structures or encourage the use of personal shade from tents and umbrellas;
- Apply for a shade grant (if available);
- Acquire a sponsor to purchase portable shade.
Queenscliff Cricket Club - Introduced several UV protection measures including the purchase of 3 shade tents, which has been utilised by junior members playing at venues with limited shade.
The Healthy Sporting Environments evaluation found a reduction in complaints about the lack of available shade and consequences of UV exposure when UV protection strategies were implemented. This included improved personal responsibility for UV protection (e.g. application of sunscreen or self-provision of shade) as well as increased use of UV protected clothing.