Sunguarding Sport: advice to stay safe this summer in the sun

11th July 2022

Sunguarding Sport details sun protection guidelines, tips and advice for the summer ahead.

Sun protection guidelines for those participating, spectating, or working in sport or outdoor recreation. The following specific tips and advice have been developed with the help of the England & Wales Cricket Board.

  1. Apply a broad-spectrum product with an SPF 30 or higher, paying special attention to your ears and nose, as well as other exposed areas prone to burning.
  2. Using a sunscreen applicator, stick, or cleaning palms with a small towel and alcohol gel, is a good way to avoid a greasy grip whilst playing.
  3. Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are prone to excessive sweating, or playing hard!
  4. Remember to wear a cap, and when fielding a brimmed hat which offers greater protection.
  5. After the batting helmet comes off, remember to reapply sunscreen (it will be wiped off) and top off with a wide-brim hat.
  6. Fielding but the sun is in your eye? Wear wraparound sunglasses keep your eyes safe from all angles.
  7. Wear light clothing that protects arms and legs. Consider flipping the collar up on tops for added protection, and using sun sleeves which provide flexibility when pitching and bowling.
  8. The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm so, if possible, look to play/train outside of these hours, particularly on clear, sunny days.
  9. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen before you start outdoor activity.
  10. Whilst spectating or waiting for play do so in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight.
  11.  Consider setting up gazebos to protect your team if there is no natural shade available.

The following specific tips and advice have been developed with the help of the England & Wales Cricket Board.


KEEP HYDRATED

  • take extra drinks breaks .e.g. every 10 overs and also allows drinks to be brought on at the fall of each wicket.
  • replace lost electrolytes

EMBRACE IN THE SHADE

  • use sun cream, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
  • create additional shaded areas for the batting side
  • employ a 12th man to rotate fielders where competition regulations allow

LIMIT PEAK SUN EXPOSURE

  • If possible, consider rescheduling matches or training away from the middle of the afternoon when the sun will be hottest#

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

The Grounds Management Association have published an essential guide for Cricket Grounds Managers on:

  • working safely in the heat and sun, and
  • how to adapt your pitch preparation and maintenance to keep pitches playing safely in dry, hot conditions.

You and your groundstaff can view the guidance on the GMA Toolkit for Cricket homepage.