Health Policy and Guidelines

Good health is in the interests of all basketball participants. The following health policies and guidelines enable Basketball Mount Gambier to better deal with some of the emergencies and potentially dangerous siutations that may arise.

Medical History Form

A Medical History Form is to be completed by all players, officials and coaches.

1. Coaches and Team Managers will be responsible for making themselves aware of their players’ medical history, which they will keep confidential.

2. Coaches and Team Managers will be aware of medications that individual athletes require.

3. All Medical History Forms will be kept in the administration area and only accessible to authorised personnel.

4. Copies of forms for people with medical conditions will be kept in Gatekeeper’s Box in a secure, portable container.

First Aid

First aid and immediate injury management are important in the prevention and treatment of injuries at the time they occur. Basketball Mount Gambier will ensure that:-

1. A fully stocked first aid kit is available.

2. A designated Association official will be responsible for the maintenance of first aid supplies.

3. Ice will be available during competitions. The responsibility for this will be a designated Association official.

4. The gatekeeper will be the designated first aid person for the Association.

5. A sign will be placed on the noticeboard advising of the first aid person on duty.

6. In the absence of the gatekeeper the Development Officer or a Board Member with first aid qualifications will be the designated first aid person for the Association.

Accident/Injury Records

Monitoring all accidents and injuries is a useful way of identifying preventable hazards associated with basketball or the facility.

1. Accident/Injury record forms will be maintained by the Association. (See attached record form.)

2. Accident/Injury record forms may also be used to satisfy insurance queries.

3. Accident/Injury record forms are reviewed at the end of each season to identify trends so that preventative measures can be taken.

Hot Weather Policy

In general, the Bern Bruning Stadium should be of a standard to provide satisfactory playing conditions throughout the year. Safety and comfort of our members is important.

At the max temperature of 36 C and above at 3pm on the Australian Government Burea of meteorology website (http://www.bom.gov.au/places/sa/mount-gambier/)

All junior trainings and games will be cancelled

At max temperature of 38 C and above at 3pm on the Australian Government Burea of meteorology website (http://www.bom.gov.au/places/sa/mount-gambier/)

All senior games and trainings cancelled

Notice of cancelation of games or trainings will be on our Website and Facebook page.

During Hot Weather:

Board of Management should:

Take steps to maximise airflow and reduce heat build-up in Stadium.
Provide extra drinking water for players, coaches and officials.
Make an assessment of playing conditions and advise referees and coaches.
Cancel games if playing conditions are considered unsafe.

Coaches should:

Ascertain whether any players have known medical conditions which may be affected by heat.

Ensure that players take adequate fluid during the game.
Make substitutions as appropriate.
Make use of time outs as appropriate.

When a game is cancelled by Basketball Mount Gambier, training may not be substituted.

FOR FURTHER REFERENCE:

Guidelines for Cancelling or Modifying Sporting Events during Hot Weather. (Sports Medicine Australia, South Australian Branch.)

Infectious Diseases

1. The Sports Medicine Australia Infectious Diseases Policy will be strictly adhered to at all times (see Attachment 4: Sports Medicine Australia Infectious Diseases Policy).

2. This policy will be distributed to all coaches, officials and players.

3. The Association will strictly adhere to the ‘blood rule’ guidelines as set out in the rules of our game and as set out in the above-mentioned policy.

4. Sharing of water bottles will not be permitted.

5. First aid and medical staff will follow the Sports Medicine Australia policy with regards to handling bleeding wounds.

Children in Sport

Basketball Mount Gambier policy on the participation of children in sport is based onthe children in sport guidelines produced by Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Sports Commission.

Pregnancy in Sport

Basketball Mount Gambier Inc. encourages women participants to seek medicalclearance prior to participation whilst pregnant.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Basketball Mount Gambier is committed to ensuring the health and well being of all members. The use of alcohol and drugs is a major health issue in Australian societytoday. The Association will therefore attempt at all times to minimise the harm arisingfrom alcohol and other drug use and to promote health by encouraging the moderateand responsible use of alcohol and to discourage the excessive and illicit use of any drug, including alcohol.

1. Basketball Mount Gambier strongly discourages the consumption of alcohol before, during and immediately after participation.

2. In the interests of the health, comfort and safety of all patrons Basketball Mount Gambier actively encourages a responsible alcohol consumption environment.

3. Basketball Mount Gambier policy on the use or misuse of illicit drugs or substances reflects the National and State guidelines.

4. Any person presenting for a match or practice who in the opinion of the coach or a Board Member is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, will be asked to leave the stadium.