Sun Safety Policy

Rationale:

We enjoy an outdoor life in Australia. Unfortunately that leaves us exposed to too much UV from the sun which can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before they reach 70 years old.

People often experience sunburn and skin damage when they are outside watching or playing sport and that’s due to the extended times they are outside and exposed to high levels of UV without appropriate sun protection.

As a general rule, sun protection is needed from the beginning of September through to the end of April or whenever UV levels are 3 and above. Particular care should be taken in the middle of the day when UV levels are at their highest. However, the cumulative exposure from early in the day must also be factored in.

Our little aths season coincides with the months where UV levels are at their highest. And our sporting environment makes finding shade between events difficult and harder to manage.

We want to make sure all our young members who participate in Little Athletics are both informed and protected against the harmful UV radiation. These guidelines have been developed to help protect all participants as significant UV and sun exposure in the first 15 years of life can greatly increase the chance of developing skin cancer late in life.

Hats:

Hats should be encouraged to be worn by athletes between events. The preference is for legionnaires-type hats. The broad brim, bucket-style protects necks and ears far more than a baseball cap. However, if nothing else is available then they are acceptable.

Shade:

Where available, use existing shade. We have a number of trees along the track that can provide shade if it’s needed, acknowledging the field events and high jump is particularly challenging as children are waiting longer.

Sunscreen:

Sunscreen should be made available and encouraged to be used. Each age group should have their own pump pack SPF 30+. Sunscreen should not be the only line of defence - other measures like hats and shade should also be used too.

Role modelling:

Parents and age managers should be practising sun-safe behaviours too - including hats and sunscreen.