Our team at Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy (TMGA) understands the danger of the sun and the importance of sun care protocols. It is of high importance to develop and achieve proactive good practice for:
- Skincare,
- Hydration,
- Body temperature control
It is crucial to recognize and raise awareness over the long-lasting damage caused by exposure to the harmful rays of the sun and the severity of exposure to high temperatures, especially during active sporting experiences. We feel that creating the correct positive habits towards skincare and hydration can be developed and improved by all. By following a few simple guidelines set out below, good practice can be achieved and this may reduce the risks associated with playing a summer sport and long hours of exposure to the direct sunlight throughout the day.
Guidelines
Skin Care
- High factor sun cream (30SPF to 50+ SPF), with high quality UVA protection rating (above 4 stars), not expired or past the used by date, applied 20 minutes before first exposure to sun
- Sun cream reapplied after heavy sweating
- Sun cream reapplied as directed on the bottle
- Wearing a hat at all times on high strength sun exposure
- Wearing appropriate clothing to cover and shade skin as appropriate
Hydration
- staying hydrated
- monitor hydration with the frequency of urinating (every 2-3 hours) as well as coloration of urine. Darker urine is an indicator of dehydration.
- replacing electrolytes as appropriate
Body temperature control
- Seeking shade during rest or non-practical learning
- Reducing the duration of high-intensity physical exertion in hot conditions.
- Wearing appropriate clothing with cooling qualities
- Balancing rest and activity levels as needed
By following the above guidelines with appropriate skincare precautions and good sun care habits, people will reduce the risk of:
- Dehydration and negative impact on health and ability to sustain performance and concentration
- Premature ageing,
- Skin infections and skin abnormalities,
- Skin cancer,
- Spikes and unhealthy body temperature with lack of self-regulation on temperature
Parents/Guardians and participants are responsible for applying the first layer of high SPF factor sunscreen at least 20 minutes prior to training activities starting. During the training day, the coaching staff will take all reasonable and appropriate steps to advise each child to reapply sun cream to exposed skin – including the face, the tops of ears, neck, and back of the neck, and exposed arms and legs. This will be done as necessary at natural breaks in the day’s activities as required or planned. TMGA staff will not directly apply sun cream to any participant. Each participant is to have their own supply of sun cream so that it is readily accessible throughout each session. TMGA staff will role model and advise on good skincare protocol.
Players will need to keep their water bottles filled appropriately. There are a number of bottle filling sites on the grounds. Players will be directed to these as appropriate.
The venue will provide sun shelter for all participants and ensure that participants stay hydrated and sun-protected throughout activities and breaks. There will be shaded areas recommended to participants for use during lunch and snack breaks. Drinks breaks and additional rest breaks will be taken as required to ensure safety is paramount.
We encourage all participants to communicate openly about their feelings and health. TMGA staff need to be made aware of any ill feelings, as well as be respected with honest answers to questions when asked appropriately. Individual personal needs will be given to those as and when required.
Additional Information
Warning signs to watch out for:
Sunburn
- Sore or tender or warm skin
- Blushed pink or red skin
- In extreme cases – blistering.
Dehydration
- Red faced
- Dry skin
- Dry (or sticky) mouth
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dark coloured urine
- Low urine volume, and/or, low frequency of urination.
- Headache
Overheating body temp
- High body temp
- Dizziness and light-headed feeling
- Discomfort above the norm, and or irritability.
For any concerns over sun care protocol or execution, please contact a TMGA member of staff