MPCA SUNSMART POLICY

The health of members, players and officials is of primary concern of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the World. It is acknowledged that skin cancer is a preventative disease and that a preventative strategy including the following actions will be implemented by the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.

Schedules
Where possible outdoor events and training times will be scheduled outside the hours of 11.00am and 3.00pm (Daylight Saving Time).

Shade
The Association will encourage its members, players, officials and spectators to maximise the use of natural shade provided from buildings, trees and other structures. Where natural shade does not exist, the Association encourages its Members, players officials and spectators to provide portable shade structures for Association and Club events.

The Association will promote and encourage the use of sun protective clothing as part of the cricket uniform. This will include –

Shirts or playing tops which have long sleeves and a collar
Wide-brimmed cricket hats whenever practical
Sunglasses to protect the eyes

Sunscreens
The use of SBT30+ sunscreens by Member Clubs, players, officials and spectators will be encouraged. Prior to training or playing in peak UV periods, players and officials will be encouraged to apply sunscreen to exposed body parts. The Association recommends that Club kiosks make Sunscreens available for sale to Members, Officials and Spectators.

Education
Member Clubs are encouraged to provide skin cancer educational programmes and exhibit posters and to increase the awareness of this health issue among players, officials and spectators. The Association will maintain awareness of the issue through its Directory, Management Seminar and other material. Association officials and staff will act as suitable SunSmart role models.

Annual Review
This sun protective policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that the document remains current and practical to the Association requirements.