Date of Event North Shore Junior Cricket Association: Sun Dec 8, 2019 8:46AM
Umpires are to consider air quality issues as part of the playing condition assessment, in the same way they would consider heat or rain.
If the umpires consider the conditions to be inappropriate for play then play will be suspended.
Matches are to conclude in the normal time allotment so no postponement or extension of playing time is available and so at the point in time that a match can not be completed the game is abandoned.
As per the Blue book, both umpires must agree that conditions are appropriate for play for a match to start or resume after a stoppage. If the umpires do not agree then the match must not proceed.
The NSW Health ratings are as follows
(https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/Pages/aqi.aspx):
| VERY GOOD 0-33 | Enjoy activities |
| GOOD 34-66 | Enjoy activities |
| FAIR 67-99 | People unusually sensitive to air pollution: Plan strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is better |
| POOR 100-149 | AIR POLLUTION HEALTH ALERT Sensitive Groups: Cut back or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
| VERY POOR 150-200 | AIR POLLUTION HEALTH ALERT Sensitive groups: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities Everyone: Cut back or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
| HAZARDOUS 200+ | AIR POLLUTION HEALTH ALERT Sensitive groups: Avoid all outdoor physical activities Everyone: Significantly cut back on outdoor physical activities |
Cricket is considered a low impact sport and is not considered a strenuous outdoor activity. Based on this categorisation, air quality in the 100 to 149 range should not impact on junior cricket games.
Match Day officials are encouraged to take extra care of children and older adults. Those with respiratory conditions should ensure that any medication they may require is available at all times. Children and adults with respiratory conditions such as asthma are encouraged to limit strenuous outdoor activities