Football NSW Heat Policy – March 15/16, 2025

Elevated temperatures are forecast in Sydney and regional areas of NSW on Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 March, it is important that all Clubs review the FNSW Extreme Heat Policy prior to commencement of football matches and activities scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday.

Further to the above link (page 3), the following weblink for ease of reference is provided to assist with sport and location:

SMA Extreme Heat Policy Tool weblink

The SMA Extreme Heat Policy tool weblink assists clubs to select the nominated sport and location, and the Weblink then automatically assesses and advises the current estimated Heat Stress Risk at the location and provides Key Recommendations and Detailed Suggestions for managing the risk.

• For football played on grass fields and indoors, select the Sport as “Football (Soccer)” on the Weblink – click here
• For football played on synthetic fields, select the Sport as “Field Hockey” on the Weblink – click here

Share the FNSW Heat Policy and the SMA Heat Policy Tool weblink (online heat risk assessment tool) with all relevant contacts within your Club.

Drinks Breaks Process (Football NSW Competitions)

 The following process is to be followed if drinks breaks are required on match day due to elevated temperatures:

1. Referees will decide prior to a match if drinks breaks will be incorporated during the match and are to communicate to both Clubs that drinks breaks will take place prior to kick off.
2. If it is decided that drinks breaks will occur, one drinks break will occur during the 1^st half and one drinks break will occur in the 2nd half. It is required to have drinks break in the 2^nd half despite the temperatures possibly reducing during the match.
3. If it is decided that drinks breaks are not required but the temperatures do elevate during the 1^st half, the referees may decide at half time to incorporate a drinks break in the 2nd half and both clubs are to be notified prior to the second half.
4. Please note: Time does not stop during the U13-U23 matches for drinks breaks and referees are the sole arbitrator for the duration of each drinks break.

Clubs participating in Football NSW Competitions (NPL NSW, Football NSW Leagues etc) should follow the procedures laid out in correspondence from the Competitions Department regarding the process for cancellation of matches.