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Safety and responsibility to participants | Sun protection policy | Tips for your sun protection policy
Athletes, officials, coaches and spectators often spend prolonged periods of time outdoors participating in sport.
Exposure to the sun's UV all adds up and can lead to sun damage, sunburn and skin cancer.
Sports groups can help their community by implementing a sun protection policy and encouraging sun protection behaviours all year round.
Five forms of sun protection
Safety and responsibility to participants
Organisations conducting sport and recreation have a duty of care and legal responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
Providing a safe environment includes protecting people from the sun’s UV and ensuring participants are aware of the need to protect their skin.
SunSmart recommends developing a sun protection policy or clear guidelines clarifying how your organisation will help minimise the risk of overexposure to UV for participants.
Sun protection policy
A sun protection policy should consider schedules, fixture and rules with UV protecton in mind, and advise key sun protection measures designed to keep participants safe.
When to protect against UV
SunSmart can help sports clubs to develop and promote a sun protection policy or guidelines. Use our sample sun protection policy for sports as a starting point.
Download sports policy
Tips for your sun protection
- Create uniform guidelines that include sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible, hats that shade the face, neck and ears and UV protective sunglasses to protect the eyes.
- Promote application and re-application of SPF50 or 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. If possible, consider having a supply onsite.
- Communicate sun protection times. Check the free SunSmart Global UV app or add the SunSmart widget to the club website.
- Schedule training times, competitions and outdoor events outside the daily sun protection times when possible. Try early mornings or late afternoons when UV levels are lower.
- Plan and provide shade, especially for rest periods and for visitors.
Download sample sun protection policy for sports
Download sample sun protection policy for events