Our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by the bushfires in Victoria and other parts of Australia.
With the unfortunate events over the Christmas/New Year period affecting so many people and regions, Football Victoria would like to ensure all players, officials and clubs are considering environmental factors before scheduling training and friendly matches over this period.
In the case of any other events of extreme weather or environmental conditions (including but not limited to) extremely strong winds, flood, extreme fire danger, or fires being present in the vicinity of the training session/game, consultation of all parties involved must take place to determine the safest outcomes for all.
Club and Match Officials are required to stay updated on all developments via the ‘Incidents & Warnings’ website, which can also be downloaded as a smartphone application (click here)
Clubs and or competing teams that fall within the "Moderate" Zone; Please note your match/training may remain as scheduled unless the hazard classification changes to "Hazardous". Appointed match officials to fixtures within the "Moderate" Zone will be sent the relevant information regarding fixtures and to monitor conditions.
Clubs and or competing teams that fall within the "Hazardous" Zone; Further to the above, if conditions pose a danger to participants and or the hazard classification changes to "Hazardous", the match/training may be abandoned in accordance with FV Rules of Competition.
If the venue of your fixture falls within the "Moderate" Zone, the conditions may be safe for the fixture to continue however please consider:
- Smoke density that affects visibility
- Smoke inhalation that affects breathing
- Presence of foul odour indicating toxicity in the air particles
To have more clarity on the air quality in your area please click EPA or AQICN
You should consider the ratings on these information sites seriously before conducting any form of physical activity.
| Air Quality Rating |
Good |
Moderate |
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
Unhealthy |
Very Unhealthy |
Hazardous |
| Physical Activity |
* |
* |
? |
x |
x |
x |
| Description |
Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk |
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution |
Members of sensitive groups, especially those under the age of 14 and over the age of 65, pregnant women or those that suffer from heart and lung conditions, may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. |
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects |
Health Warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be effected. |
Health Alert: Everyone may experience more serious health effects |
Club & Match Officials are instructed to consider the above factors, and should conditions endanger the health and safety of participants, they may abandon the match/training sessions.
Should the factors listed above not warrant the match/training sessions to be abandoned, please continue to exercise with care for participants and members who may suffer respiratory problems or adverse effects.
Clubs are required to be vigilant to the conditions at their respective match/training sessions and the wellbeing of participants and members.
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- Smoke can affect people's health.
- People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
- People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
What you should do:
- Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
- If you have concerns about your health you should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
- You should not travel to East Gippsland, Alpine Regions or North East Victoria as there are significant fires burning, which are threatening lives and property. A State of Disaster has been declared.
Here's hoping everyone remains safe and conditions improve in the very near future in readiness for what is going to be an exciting 2020 season.
Ezel Hikmet, Manager Competitions and Football Operations
Picture: Herald Sun
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