SUNSMART POLICY

Rational: The health of all affiliated members and supporters is of primary concern to the Ormeau Bulldogs AFL club. It is acknowledged that people living in Australia need to be more aware of the need to protect their skin and eyes when they are exposed to the sun. This is certainly the case in Queensland which has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of three Queenslanders will contract some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. As more than 1000 people in Australia die from this disease annually. Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. SunSmart behaviour needs to be a habit which commences in childhood, as much of the damage occurs during child hood and adolescence. Research suggests that severe sunburn is the major contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, blemishes and premature aging. Most skin damage and cancers are therefore preventable. Consistent skin care and awareness is the first step in the prevention of needless skin damage and cancers. General Aims: This policy documents our sun protection practices in the areas of behaviour and environment. These practices will be applied to all activities in matches, trainings and other functions. It is to be implemented at all match and practice days, and other functions likely to be adversely affected by harmful ultraviolet rays. The aims of the Ormeau Bulldogs SunSmart Policy are to promote among affiliated members and supporters:Attitudes and Awareness: Positive attitudes towards skin protection. Lifestyle practices which can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths. Awareness and the need for environmental changes in and at sporting venues to reduce the level of exposure to the sun. Increase player, official, spectator and community awareness of skin cancer. Assist players, officials and spectators to develop strategies that encourage responsible decisionmaking about sun protection. Ensure that Association members and parents are informed of the Associations SunSmart Policy. Promote sun safety through newsletters, brochures and over the public address system at competitions. Encourage senior athletes, coaches, officials, members in prominent positions, and parents to be SunSmart role models. Advise athletes, parents and volunteers about the SunSmart Policy at registration and encourage them to comply with it. Members will be encouraged to comply with the Sun Safety Guidelines set out
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by the Queensland Cancer Fund and the Australian Cancer Council. Hours: Awareness of the need for variations to the hours of play (where possible) to reduce the level of exposure to the sun. Clothing: Encourage players, officials and spectators to wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreen during high-risk times such as matches, practices and other outdoor functions. Actively encourage members to wear wide brimmed or legionnaire style hats when not participating in AFL games, as peaked caps do not provide adequate skin protection. Actively encourage members to routinely wear broad spectrum water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen and stress the importance of regular reapplication. When all representative players are supplied with uniforms (whether playing, training, travel apparel, etc.) consideration should be given to design, colour, tightness of weave, and the permeability of the material. Shade: Work towards a safe AFL environment that provides shade for players, officials and spectators. Make maximum use of existing shade at facilities. When shade is not adequate, our Association will seek to work with relevant authorities and the community to provide more shade at sporting and recreation facilities; and will endeavour to provide temporary shade until adequate shade is provided. Individuals will also be encouraged to bring their own shade structures to events. Implementation: Promote sun protection throughout the year via the Association newsletter, website, meetings, training sessions and matches. Ormeau Bulldogs AFL Club SunSmart Policy Evaluation: The Ormeau Bulldogs Committee will review the effectiveness of this policy each year. They will ensure: All new players and officials have been briefed on the SunSmart Policy. The SunSmart policy is included in the Association website. SunSmart practices are promoted throughout the AFL season. They will also: Review the SunSmart behaviour of players, officials and spectators. Assess the provision of suitable shade. Assess the use of shade by players, officials and spectators. Evaluate and update the SunSmart protection and skin cancer prevention component in the curriculum within the Association. This SunSmart Policy was updated on the 12 August 2009

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