Guidelines for smoke affected environments

BOWLS GUIDELINES FOR SMOKE-AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTS

Dear Member Club,

With the onset of bushfire smoke having the potential to impact matches,

greens, and posing a health risk to players and officials, the below

information can help your club with managing the risks associated with

air quality, smoke and exercise.

Noting how quickly weather conditions can change and smoke pollution can

become significantly worse or significantly improve in the space of

hours, the decision to play or practice should ideally be considered in

the same way as other weather events (rain, lightning, heat) and be made

on the day.

However, this needs to be balanced against the health risks, potential

inconsistent application of approach where there are no official

umpires, and in many cases the lack of a “real time” measure of air

quality. This may require organisers to implement a blanket cancellation

of matches prior to game day.

It is recommended that clubs advise all players and officials of the

heightened risk to health when participating in smoke-polluted

conditions during outdoor play because of the increase in air entering

the airways and triggering respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The following considerations should be taken into account when deciding

to play or train when air quality is a potential issue.

GENERAL AIR QUALITY AT THE CLUB AND ON THE GREEN

* If any of the air quality measures are over 200, we advise serious

consideration be given to suspending play/practice. Noting that ‘real

time’ measures may not be available, the 24-hour rolling average

measure should be considered along with the other points below

(acknowledging that the 24-hour rolling average may over or

underestimate the actual air quality at the time of judgement). Air

quality measures for Victoria can be found via the link here.

VISIBILITY

* Where visibility is poor, air quality will be poor.

PLAYER FEEDBACK

* Officials/coaches/managers should monitor players and officials for

signs of feeling unwell and seek regular feedback.

* If those with known respiratory conditions are coping and have the

support they need including medications.

Kind Regards,

Bowls Victoria.