Outdoor football activities (matches, training, grading sessions, etc.) should not take place when air quality for Melbourne is deemed to be Very Poor or Hazardous according to EPA AirWatch. Players and officials with asthma or other existing lung and heart conditions, those who are pregnant and those who are over the age of 65, should also reconsider their participation in coaching, training or matches if the air quality is rated as Poor according to EPA AirWatch.
The health and safety of officials and participants is of primary concern for Glen Eira FC.
During the bushfire season, smoke from bushfires can present a health concern for outdoor activities. Smoke contains fine particles that can affect your health.
For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like:
- sore eyes
- sore nose
- sore throat
However, it can be more dangerous for people with existing lung and heart conditions including asthma, emphysema and angina, or if you are pregnant or over the age of 65. In addition, children up to 14 years old are more sensitive to the effects of smoke inhalation.
People with these conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there’s smoke around. People with asthma should follow their Asthma Action Plan and keep their asthma medication with them.
The best way to reduce exposure to smoke is to stay indoors with the doors and windows shut.
The above policy follows the guidance of the Commonwealth Department of Health for outdoor sporting activity.
The Club will notify team officials if air quality on a particular day requires training, matches or other Club-related activity to be cancelled.
