• Governance

Extreme Heat Advice

England Hockey recognises that periods of extreme heat can present a risk to the health, safety and welfare of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators.

Hockey can often continue safely in warm weather, but activity should be planned, adapted or postponed where conditions may present a risk to players, coaches, officials, volunteers or spectators. This is particularly important for children and young people, older people, goalkeepers wearing protective equipment, people with existing health conditions and those who may be exposed to direct sun for long periods. 

England Hockey recommends that clubs: 

  • Check the weather forecast, UV levels and any UKHSA/Met Office Heat-health Alert before activity takes place
  • Include extreme heat within the activity or event risk assessment
  • Consider local conditions, including pitch surface heat, access to shade, humidity, water availability and the length or intensity of activity
  • Have plans in place in advance to adapt activity, this provides the best chance of ensuring participants welfare
  • Communicate any key information or requirements early with players, parents, coaches, officials and volunteers where extreme heat is forecast
  • Ensure regular access to drinking water, shade, rest breaks and regularly apply sunscreen
  • Increase drinks and regular hydration breaks (recommended four minutes in extreme heat) where needed
  • Reduce the intensity or length of sessions/game where appropriate (for example, play quarters instead of halves)
  • Consider moving activity to a cooler part of the day
  • Monitor participants closely for signs of heat-related illness 
  • Delay, postpone or cancel activity where it cannot be delivered safely

Signs of heat-related illness can include dizziness, headache, feeling sick, excessive sweating, cramps, weakness, confusion or collapse. If someone becomes unwell, they should stop activity immediately, be moved to a cooler place and be cooled down. Medical advice should be sought where there are concerns. Call 999 immediately if heatstroke is suspected. 

No participant, coach, official or volunteer should feel pressured to take part where they feel unwell or unsafe in the conditions. 

If in doubt, England Hockey recommends that activity is adapted, delayed, postponed or cancelled.