Extreme Heat Policy

Last Updated: 03/07/2026

Policy Statement

The Avenue Lawn Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club (“the Club”) takes the wellbeing of its members, visitors, volunteers and employees seriously and is committed to prioritising the safety and welfare of all individuals who participate in Club activities.

Extreme heat can pose significant health and safety risks, particularly during periods of prolonged high temperatures and heatwaves. The Club recognises its duty of care to provide, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe environment for participation in sport, recreation and related activities.

This Extreme Heat Policy has been developed to provide guidance to Club officials, coaches, players and members on the management of activities during periods of extreme heat. The policy establishes clear procedures for monitoring heat conditions and outlines the actions to be taken when heat stress levels reach thresholds that may place participants at risk.

The aim of this policy is to minimise the risk of heat-related illness and injury, support informed decision-making regarding the modification or suspension of activities, and ensure that all participants can enjoy a safe and positive experience at the Club during periods of hot weather.

This policy supports the Club’s responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 by identifying, assessing and managing foreseeable risks associated with extreme heat.

1. Heat Stress Index & The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Calculator

Understanding WBGT and the Heat Stress Flag System

The Heat Stress Index provides a general guideline for assessing the potential severity of heat stress. While the standard Heat Index is useful for informing the general public that conditions may “feel like” a certain temperature, it is calculated assuming shaded conditions with light wind—circumstances that are rarely present on tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, outdoor activity areas, or in many sports environments.

For this reason, The Club has chosen to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Calculator readings when assessing heat-related risk.

A standard thermometer only measures air temperature and tells part of the story. WBGT provides a more complete assessment of heat stress by accounting for temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and wind speed, producing a single value that better reflects the conditions the human body is actually experiencing. By using a WBGT calculator, The Club can estimate both indoor and outdoor heat stress and make informed decisions to help protect members, guests and staff.

It should be remembered that individual responses to heat vary considerably. Heat-related illness can occur at temperatures lower than those indicated by the WBGT guidance, particularly during strenuous activity. The risk is also increased for children, older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those who are not acclimatised to hot conditions.

What Is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)?

WBGT is a composite heat stress index developed by the U.S. Marine Corps. A thermometer tells you how hot the air is. WBGT tells you how hard your body must work to stay cool.

This distinction is important because the body’s primary cooling mechanism is the evaporation of sweat. On a dry day, sweat evaporates readily and removes heat from the body. On a humid day, evaporation becomes less effective, causing body temperature and cardiovascular strain to increase. Under extreme conditions, the body’s cooling system can become overwhelmed.

WBGT captures these effects by combining three separate measurements:

• Dry-bulb temperature (Td) – the standard air temperature measured by a conventional thermometer.
• Natural wet-bulb temperature (Tw) – measured using a thermometer covered with a wet wick, indicating how effectively sweat can evaporate under current conditions.
• Globe temperature (Tg) – measured inside a matte black globe, capturing the effects of radiant heat from the sun, courts, buildings, equipment and surrounding surfaces.

The wet-bulb component contributes approximately 70% of the overall WBGT value, reflecting the critical role that humidity plays in the development of heat-related illness.

Understanding WBGT Ranges – The Flag System

The following flag system is used by The Club to assess heat stress risk levels and determine appropriate precautions. Particular attention should be paid to individuals who are unacclimatised to hot weather, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness and may require additional monitoring or restrictions.

2. Measurement Procedures

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) must be monitored by a Club Official or their nominated representative throughout periods of hot weather.

Where possible, WBGT readings should be taken every two (2) hours. As a minimum, three (3) readings must be recorded daily at the following times:Where possible, WBGT readings should be taken every two (2) hours. As a minimum, three (3) readings must be recorded daily at the following times:

1. At the commencement of the day’s activities.
2. Midday (or as close to midday as practicable).
3. Immediately prior to the start of any afternoon coaching sessions, training activities, or match play.

In addition, a further reading must be taken:

1. Following any suspension of play or activity due to heat, before a decision is made to resume participation.

All readings shall be recorded and retained by the club for monitoring and compliance purposes. Decisions regarding the modification, suspension, or resumption of activities must be based on the most recent WBGT reading and any other relevant environmental conditions.

3. Obtaining The Air Temperature & Humidity

The WBGT may be calculated using a recognised device or a recognised weather service by searching for the postcode of the Club PO9 2RS.

4. Extreme Heat Procedures

Modification of Play/Participation in Club Activities

Where the WBGT reaches or exceeds 27.8°C (82°F) (Amber and Red Zones on the Chart), all club activities will be modified as necessary to minimise the risk of heat-related illness or injury to participants.

Suspension of Play/Participation in Club Activities

Where the WBGT reaches or exceeds 31.1°C (88°F) (Black Zone on the Chart), all club-organised activities will be suspended.

Activities may resume once the WBGT falls below 31.1°C (88°F) and conditions are assessed as safe for participation.

Participation Outside of Club Activities

Where the Management Committee or Duty Manager determines conditions are unsafe, courts or other facilities may be closed irrespective of whether activities are organised by the Club or undertaken privately.

5. Suspected Heat Illness

Any participant showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should immediately cease activity, be moved into shade, actively cooled, given water if appropriate and first aid summoned. Emergency services should be contacted immediately where heat stroke is suspected.

Staying Safe In The Sun

Raising Awareness of sun protection in sport

Playing tennis in a heatwave can put you in the firing line for all sorts of undesirable problems, including sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion.

If the mercury is off the scale, but you just must play, here are some tips from the Melanoma Fund’s Sunguarding Sport campaign to help you navigate safely through the heat and keep you winning those points:

1. The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm so, if possible, look to play outside of these hours, opting for early morning or evening if possible.
2. Apply a broad-spectrum product with an SPF30 or higher, before you start playing, paying special attention to your ears, nose, and shoulders, as well as other areas which are prone to burning
3. Stay hydrated by taking on as much liquid as you lose through sweat – that’s about 32 – 85 ounces (approx 1 – 2.5 litres) during an hour of play.
4. By placing ice packs against areas where important arteries are located, you will cool down a lot quicker. Sites such as the groin and armpits and wrists are a good place to start as this will help cool the blood and boost the flow to your muscles.
5. Remember, that thirst is not an effective warning system – in fact, your performance will have been suffering before you feel thirsty at all. Drink at regular intervals whether you feel like it or not.
6. Baseline players take note that running from side to side will tire you out faster and overheat you. Consider bringing your game closer to the net and end points quickly.
7. On very hot day, start out your game at a slower pace, letting your body acclimate. Be sure to stay hydrated, even if your body is responding well to the hot weather, as it will catch up on you if not.
8. Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are prone to excessive sweating, or playing hard! (If you don’t like compromising your grip, Use a sunscreen applicator, or clean palms with a small towel and alcohol gel).
9. Remember to wear a hat or cap. Your forehead, scalp and ears are vulnerable areas, so be sure to protect them.
10. Ice is not just for a GnT. Ask the clubhouse to see if they have a bucket of iced water to dip towels and tops in. These when worn or draped will keep you cool for longer but remember to reapply sunscreen as it will wash off!
11. It is important to take breaks away from direct sunlight. Consider setting up temporary gazebos to protect you if there is no natural shade available.
12. You will be repeatedly looking up at the sky whilst serving, so wear wraparound sunglasses, as they keep your eyes safe from all angles.
13. Allowing your skin to breathe will help you stay cool, however ensure that the fabric is tight weave as this will prevent UV from penetrating to your skin beneath.
14. Keep your cool and be mindful of how your body is adapting or reacting to the heat while you play or train. If you feel dizzy, unwell, or overly tired, stop play and rest in the shade, seeking support if required.
15. Finally, if you really want to be 100% safe, a warm night is one of the benefits of summer. It’s a comfortable way to get your game in for the day and you don’t run the risk of sunburn or overheating.

More tips on staying safe in the sun can be found on the Melanoma Fund, Sunguarding Sport Website.

Approved by: The Management Committee

Date: 03/07/2026