EASTERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION – HOT WEATHER PROCEDURES
(SENIORS, VETERANS & T20 MATCHES) (SEPTEMBER 2018)
Introduction
These procedures have been issued by the ECA Executive to ensure the safety of all players,
umpires and officials. Should the procedures be implemented, notification shall be via the ECA
Website, email and ECA Social Media network. The ECA Executive may cancel some or all matches
regardless of the forecast temperature or ambient temperature.
Any reference to a forecast temperature in these procedures is the Melbourne Forecast maximum
temperature on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website (Victoria/Melbourne Forecasts).
Seniors (Turf, Synthetic, LOC)
If at 9.00am on any scheduled day of play the forecast temperature is 37°C or above all scheduled
matches in all grades will be cancelled EXCEPT matches in the top three turf grades (Dunstan Shield,
Wright Shield, A Turf) and top two synthetic grades (Macgibbon Shield, Burt Shield). Matches in the
top three turf and top two synthetic grades will proceed as scheduled (subject to the “40°C or
above” rule below).
If at 9.00am on any scheduled day of play the forecast temperature is 40°C or above then all
scheduled matches in all grades will be cancelled.
Veterans
If at 9.00am on any scheduled day of play the forecast temperature is 37°C or above then all
scheduled matches in all grades will be cancelled.
T20 (Seniors afternoon/evening matches)
If at 9.00am on any scheduled day of play the forecast temperature is 40°C or above then all
scheduled matches will be cancelled.
All matches: if play is not cancelled (40°C or above)
If matches have not been cancelled and it appears to the umpires (or in their absence the captains)
that the current temperature is 40°C or above, they are expected to monitor the temperature at
the start and each break in play (Start of play, Drinks break, tea break, change of innings etc).
Start of play: Play must not start if the BOM temperature for “Melbourne Olympic Park” using the
BOM telephone weather service (1196) is 40°C or above. Play can only start if the temperature falls
below 40°C. If the temperature does not fall below 40°C within 60 minutes of the start of play then
no play will occur on that day.
Match has commenced: If a match has commenced, play will be suspended immediately if the BOM
temperature for “Melbourne Olympic Park” using the BOM telephone weather service (1196) is
40°C or above. Play can only re-commence if the temperature falls below 40°C. If the temperature
does not fall below 40°C within 60 minutes of commencement of the interruption then no further
play will occur on that day.
If an interruption to play due to heat (start of play and/or after match has commenced) occurs it is
the responsibility of the captains to check the temperature every 15 minutes from the start of the
interruption.
The time of interruptions to play due to heat and temperature readings must be recorded in the
scorebooks. Any interruptions to play shall be treated like any other interruption to play re: loss of
overs, end of play etc.
Responsibilities
Notwithstanding the above, umpires (or in their absence the captains) have the power to abandon
or suspend play at any time at their discretion. No person is forced by the ECA to participate in any
match and Clubs shall place no pressure on any participant if he/she considers withdrawing from
any part of a match for health reasons.
ECA Rules provide guidance for the management of conditions during ECA matches. While these
rules are generally considered to relate to the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play to
continue, it equally applies to extremes of conditions such as heat, cold, wind and lightning which
may make continuation of play dangerous. The ECA Rules charges the umpires (or in their absence
the captains) with the responsibility to manage conditions and as such they are the final arbiters as
to the fitness of conditions to allow play to continue.
When a period of extreme temperature is forecast, the following issues need to be considered by
all participants when dealing with the heat:
• The conditions at each venue are to be assessed on a case by case basis (available cold
water, shelter and shade);
• Umpires and clubs are encouraged to arrange extra drinks breaks (every 4-5 overs if
necessary) and unrestricted drinks around the boundary for bowlers and at the fall of a
wicket for fielders to assist with hydration; and
• Clubs should be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and the appropriate ways of
overcoming and or treating the effects of heat stress.
Umpires (or in their absence the captains) are required to do all within their power to facilitate play
without compromising their responsibility in respect of “duty of care”. They are therefore required
to balance all the factors and make a decision whether the conditions are fit for play and, if not
satisfied that they are safe, suspend play until such time as they are. Any such decision by Umpires
and captains in relation to extremes of temperature would be absolutely supported should it occur.
ECA Executive
September 2018