SOBC Extreme Heat Guidelines

The safety and health of athletes and coaches are of paramount importance; therefore, each volunteer should follow these guidelines while conducting programs, events, or competitions for Special Olympics British Columbia.

Programs may be cancelled when temperatures exceed the following when there is no accommodation available to address the increased safety risk(s):

Step 1 – Determine location: Go to https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html and find your specific location.

Step 2 – Determine temperature: Check the current temperature with specific focus on the “feels like” temperature which accounts for the humidity (Humidex) in measuring temperature.

Step 3 – Considerations should be given to level of excursion and modifications made when outdoor temperature is above +36 degrees Celsius (including Humidex).

Extreme Heat Events (EHE) Activity Chart:

Step 4 – Competition:  Where possible, competition should be scheduled for cooler times of the day. Competing in hot conditions both increases the risk of heat illness and impairs performance. Event organizers should attempt to organize competition at a time where less heat stress and exposure is expected. Competition should be cancelled where the heat stress is extreme. 

Laws of the Game Allowance 

Laws of the Game allowance allow for medical stoppages permitted by competition rules, e.g. ‘drink’ breaks and ‘cooling’ breaks. These stoppages are to be determined by the lead official in conversation with the coaches prior to game time. 

‘Drinks’ break: Competition rules may allow ‘drink’ breaks (of no more than one minute) for players to rehydrate; these are different from ‘cooling’ breaks 

‘Cooling’ break: In the interests of player welfare and safety, competition rules may allow, in certain weather conditions(high humidity and temperatures), ‘cooling’ breaks (usually ninety seconds to three minutes) to allow the body’s temperature to fall; these are different from ‘drinks’ breaks

Important notes related to game play: The Competition Official, in collaboration with the on-site SOBC Competition Director/Host, reserve the final right to cancel the game/competition if the conditions are considered dangerous, in their opinion. 

• Head Official to write on game/competition sheet reason for an abandonment with EHE Humidity Value, time & date and number calculated. 
• If temperature increases dramatically during a game or competition the officials and team staff are advised to use their discretion. Record all decisions and relevant information on the game/competition sheet. 
• VP of Sport & Programs should be notified via call, text or email when such decisions have been made.

Preventative Measures

To be requested of teams or implemented where possible by the Sport Competition Host:

• Designated person to do frequent checks of temperature & communicate with sport officials (Temp checks to be done every hour; if significant change in temp then do every 30 minutes)
• Shaded or indoor areas must be provided (ex: shade tents)
• Provision of a water station; venue water access, portable water jugs or bottles of water
• Misting station (if possible)
• Provide a cooler(s) with ice

SOBC coaching staff to ensure for their athletes/teams:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing, hats & sunglasses 
• Ensuring players are hydrated; hydration includes consuming water and fluids that contain sodium and potassium as this is lost with sweating. 
• Prior to the start of training/games consume up to 2000ml of fluid.
• Spray bottles with cold water or light towels to soak in cold water (apply to head and neck)
• Bring and apply sunscreen every 2 hours
• If possible, bring fresh fruit throughout the day (ie: watermelon, oranges)
• Continually remind to step out of the sun and into shade
• Bring a portable shade tent if possible (and if space to set up is available)
  

For any questions, please contact Michelle Cruickshank at mcruickshank@specialolympics.bc.ca.
 

Back to resources page