AFL GOLDFIELDS EXTREME WEATHER POLICY AFL Goldfields affiliates the following Leagues: - Ballarat Football Netball League - Maryborough & Castlemaine District Football Netball League - Riddell District Football Netball League - Central Highlands Football League AFL Goldfields recognises that Victorian weather can throw up all kinds of challenges for community Football Clubs. Clubs may be confronted with weather conditions that vary from extreme heat to extreme cold. The following policy has been developed to assist clubs in making a decision on the continuation of play should they be presented with an extreme weather situation. Severe cold, extreme wind, extreme rain, hail etc. The umpires may determine if it is not safe to continue a match. The match may be terminated immediately, but in the first instance, a match should be halted for a 20 minute period. If, on further assessment, the conditions have not improved, the match shall be abandoned. Clubs must immediately report the situation to their League Operations Manager who will determine the outcome of the match in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football. Extreme heat (i) Temperature equal to or greater than 36 degrees. If the temperature is equal to or greater than 36 degrees, the match is to be halted immediately. The match may be terminated immediately, but in the first instance, a match should be halted for a 20 minute period. If, after 20 minutes the temperature has not decreased, the match shall be abandoned. Clubs must immediately report the situation to their League Operations Manager who will determine the outcome of the match in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football. (ii) Temperature between 32 and 36 degrees. All quarters, in seniors, reserves, under 18.5 and under 16 competitions are to be reduced to 18 minutes plus time on if applicable; All other junior competitions shall be halted for a period of 20 minutes. If, after 20 minutes the temperature has not decreased, the match shall be abandoned. Clubs must immediately report the situation to their League Operations Manager who will determine the outcome of the match in accordance with the Laws of Australian Football. The umpires may increase the time after a goal to allow for additional hydration; Additional watercarriers may be permitted; An additional 5 minutes per break is permitted. The umpires should offer this to both captains, if either agrees time-keepers are to be instructed to add the time.