Sun Safety

Introduction

Thousands of Queenslanders are involved in outdoor sports as participants, organisers, officials, coaches or spectators. This involvement has many health benefits, but it also carries the risk of increased exposure to UVR and therefore the risk of skin cancer.

Given that sports are often undertaken during peak UVR periods (10:00am – 3:00pm), sporting organisations have the potential to minimise UVR exposure and provide an environment where policies and procedures can positively influence long-term “SunSmart” behaviour.Sporting organisations have a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment for their members.

How can our Association Support Sun Safety?

Due to Australia’s high incidence of skin cancer, Association’s should encourage sun safety and provide shade for officials, players and spectators all year round.

Tips:

YourAssociationcan actively advocate for sun protection by:

  • Purchasing, installingand maintaining shade.
  • Scheduling training and game/activity times for the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Encouraging clothing for uniforms that offers maximum sun protection.
  • Including a sun protective hat as part of the uniform.
  • Encouraging the wearing of sunglasses while off-court.
  • Encouraging the use of sunscreen.
  • Emphasising to all adult members and spectators of the Association the need to act as positive role models in “SunSmart” behaviour for younger members and for their peers.
  • Taking part in formulating a written policy that highlights the Association’s commitment to being “SunSmart” and clearly outlines the obligation of both junior and senior members to comply with the policy.

How do we Develop a Sun Safety Policy?

An Association with a written and implemented sun safety policy shows a commitment to sun protection. A written policy is an easy reference point for participants, organisers, officials, coaches and spectators of a sporting organisation and will help them to adopt “SunSmart” behaviours.

Members of your sporting organisation should be encouraged to participate in the decision making process. This includes being involved in raising awareness about the development, implementation and evaluation of the sun safety policy. This approach will increase members’ commitment to the policy, raise awareness of sun safety issues and assist with the adoption of the policy.Netball Queensland has produced guidelines for netball Associations to follow in developing a sun safe policy.

1. Form a Working Party

  • The executive/board/committee should endorse the working party.
  • Setting up a representative group reduces the communication gap between other members.
  • Ensure you have a facilitator of the working party to provide a meeting agenda and venue, delegate duties and produce minutes of meetings.

2. Be informed – research and collect information

  • There is a wide range of information available about “SunSmart” behaviour and skin cancer.
  • Be aware of obligations arising from legislation or directive that is relevant to your Association.
  • Research other sporting sun safety policies.

3. Identify Current Sun Protection Behaviours and Attitudes

  • Conduct a survey of members.
  • Document your Association’s current practices regarding sun exposure.
  • Identify potential strategies to minimise sun exposure risk.

4. Design the policy – write, review, finalise

  • Refer to information gathered by the working party from the previous steps.
  • Consider suggestions made by members.
  • Develop a clear statement regarding implementation of sun protection strategies.
  • Use Netball Queensland’s Sun Safety Policy template to guide your Association in structuring the policy.
  • Provide a draft to members to review and add comments.
  • Present the final version of the policy to the management committee for endorsement, implementation and evaluation

5. Implement the policy

  • Make the policy easily accessible to members.
  • Promote sun protection during events.
  • Inform individuals of the Sun Safety Policy when they apply for membership.

6. Monitor and evaluate the policy

  • The Sun Safety Policy should be reviewed annually to ensure the needs of your members are met.
  • Document and consider members feedback when making changes to the policy.
  • Reassess “SunSmart” behaviours on an annual basis to help identify which areas of the policy require additional support or resources.

References

Cancer Council Queensland – Sporting Organisations “SunSmart” Policy Guidelines