COLEDALE WAVES JSC SUN PROTECTION POLICY, 2014.
Rationale
Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage and increases
the risk of skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 15 years of life contributes significantly to the lifetime risk
of developing skin cancer. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
Skin cancers account for 80% of all new cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.
Melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer for 15 – 44 year olds.
This policy is followed all year round as the UV radiation levels are always high during peak UV periods
(10am – 3pm).
Club officials, coaches, managers, referees and assistant referees will act as role models in line with the
NSW Skin Cancer Strategic plan 2011-15 SunSmart program role modelling requirements and OHS
standards.
Objectives
The goals of the CWJSC SunSmart Policy are to:

Increase community awareness about skin cancer and sun protection.

Encourage the entire soccer community to use a combination of sun protection measures all year
round.

Work towards a safe soccer playing environment that provides shade for players, officials and
spectators.

Provide free SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen at canteen.

Assist players, spectators and club officials to be responsible for their own sun protection.

Ensure that families, officials and new players are informed of the CWJSC SunSmart policy.
Sun Protection strategies:

All the CWJSC community use a combination of sun protection measures throughout the day to
ensure they are well protected. Particular care is taken between 10 am and 3 pm when UV levels
peak.
1. Shade

The CWJSC will make sure there is a sufficient sun shelter and trees providing shade at the club
grounds grounds particularly in areas where the soccer community congregates eg canteen area
and the hill area.

Shade provision is considered in plans for future buildings and grounds.

Grant applications for shade provision will be actively sought including sails and tree planting.

Players, spectators and club officials are actively encouraged to use available areas of shade at
the CWJSC grounds and at away games.
2. Clothing

All styles of soccer uniform will include collars that protect the neck and sleeves.
3. Hats

Club officials are encouraged to wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears, i.e. bucket or
broad-brimmed whenever they are outside.
(Please note: Baseball caps are not considered sun protective and are therefore not acceptable.)
4. Sunglasses

Club officials and referees/assistant referees are encouraged to wear close fitting, wrap around
sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as
much of the eye area as possible.
5. Sunscreen

SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen is available for club officials,
referees/assistant referees and players use. Sunscreen is applied at least 20 minutes before
going outdoors and reapplied every two hours as required. Time will be allocated for sunscreen
application prior to games.
6. Role Modelling

Club officials act as role models by:

Wearing sun protective hats (broad brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hats), clothing and
sunglasses outside.

Applying SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.

Seeking shade whenever possible.
 Spectators, families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures
(sun protective clothing and hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) when participating in and attending
soccer matches.
7. Awareness raising

Sun protection and skin cancer awareness information is provided to coaches and managers of
soccer teams.

This policy is provided in all team kit bags, displayed at the club canteen and on the CWJSC
website.

A link to SunSmart UV Alert is provided on the CWJSC web site.

Players are encouraged to be involved in initiatives to promote and model sun protection
measures to the whole school community.

SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted by the soccer community through
newsletters, club website, club meetings, at registration and other club events.
8. Review

The CWJSC Management Committee will review the effectiveness of the sun protection policy
every two years and revise the policy when required. Next policy review: March 2016.