Sunsmart Information for Sports Clubs
Being safe in the sun is important when you are playing sport over the daylight savings months. Skin cancer is a preventable disease and there are some easy steps that Clubs can make to help protect your members and supporters.
If you are a sports club that operates between September and March then it is important to consider the following:
- Have a sun safety policy
Exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a health and safety hazard. Clubs should have a written policy providing guidelines as to how this hazard will be managed.
Policy Template - that you can adapt for your Club setting
Writing/amending your policy? Get other people, including club members involved in the development. This makes it a collaborative process and people are more likely to remember the policy and abide by its guidelines. - Schedule events where possible to avoid peak UV periods
Ultraviolet radiation levels are at their peak between September to March, especially between 11am and 4pm. Where possible try to schedule events to avoid these peak UV times.
Checklist for planning outdoor events
- Have sufficient shade available
Provide shade when possible for players, and in areas where people congregate or wait between playing sessions.
There are 3 options for shade.
- Natural - trees
- Built: verandahs or shade sails
- Portable: gazebos or large umbrellas
Developing shade can be an expensive process.
Template letter to accompany grant applications
Loan some portable shade:
For Christchurch based sports clubs the Cancer Society
operates a shade loan system in partnership with the
Christchurch City Council.
For outside Christchurch - Contact your local Cancer Society to
see if there is a shade loan system near you
For further information on shade for sports fields and general
shade information:
Undercover: Guidelines for shade design and planning
Shade Information
Shade Structures
- Cover up clothing is a great way to protect yourself from the sun.
Clothing that covers up more of the skin is an effective way to protect yourself from the sun. Choose lightweight material with tight weave. Darker colours provide better protection from UV than light colours.I
Information on sun protective clothing
Information on Hats
Poster – what is a good hat?
Sunscreen should be used as your last line of defense Liberally apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if you are sweating heavily.
Information on sunscreen
Sunscreen is available at discounted prices through the Cancer Society Shop at 246 Manchester Street
Sunscreen Brochure
-
New sunscreen products: Ultra Sport and Ultra Active Dry Touch
· Very high protection
· 150ml tube
· UVA, UVB Broad Spectrum
· 2 hour water resistance
- Promote sun safety messages in your club
Resources are available that can easily be adapted for use within your club:
Key Messages ideal for promotional materials, newsletters and education sessions
Public announcements for use during events
Poster for clubroom walls/change rooms
Contact the Cancer Society for other posters
Ultraviolet index boards for purchase.
Have on display and update daily
Suitable for outdoors (comes with information sheet)
A2 size $60; A1 size $100
Fantastic visible way of judging risk from ultraviolet
radiation
UV Index
Where to go for more information:
www.sunsmart.org.nz for skin cancer prevention information
www.cancernz.org.nz for disease and sun protection information
Your local Cancer Society office
