AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) is closely monitoring this weekend’s weather conditions in response to the Bureau of Meteorology’s predicted high temperatures.
The safety and well-being of players and officials is paramount and in addition to the changes made to the by-laws before the season commenced, AFLNT will enact the 18.2 Extreme Heat Policy from the National Community Football Policy Handbook
The following measures will be in place for matches across Saturday & Sunday:
- Shortening quarters of all matches* by two minutes.
- Quarter breaks across all divisions* will be increased by two minutes
- Misting Fans at interchange benches at TIO Stadium Oval 1 & Oval 2
*MPL Matches not included
The scheduled 4:00 pm TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match at Norbuilt Oval will be reviewed prior to the first bounce and a decision will be made regarding lengths of quarters. If required, the above measures will be applied.
AFLNT encourages all clubs and coaches to ensure their players and on-field support staff are preparing their bodies appropriately for the weather conditions. This can be done by:
- All pregame warmups are to be capped at 10 minutes (across all grades)
- Create cooling event at all breaks.
- Ice Slushies, Ice Blocks (eg. Zooper Doopers), frozen grapes, etc.
- Ice Slushies, Ice Blocks (eg. Zooper Doopers), frozen grapes, etc.
- Encouraging players to be suitably hydrated prior to the game
- Providing cold half-time snacks
- Eating a well-balanced meal leading into the game
- Providing ice buckets and individual cold towels for players
- Not consuming alcohol, the night before a game
AFLNT is working closely with clubs to clearly communicate and work through these changes ahead of the weekend.
