2 ECB EXTREME HEAT GUIDELINES FOR THE RECREATIONAL GAME JUNE 2026
• fast breathing or heartbeat,
• a high temperature,
• being very thirsty,
• feelings of weakness.
In severe cases, an individual may develop heatstroke. The NHS recognises heatstroke as a medical emergency. Get immediate medical help if someone has the symptoms of heatstroke. The symptoms of heatstroke include:
• a very high temperature
• hot skin without sweating
• fast breathing and a fast heartbeat
• confusion and restlessness
• seizure( fit)
• loss of consciousness
Planning and Welfare
The following steps should be taken by all individuals including, but not limited to, grounds staff, players, spectators, officials and volunteers.
Anyone can be affected by extreme heat, but those who are most likely to suffer severe effects are older people( those over 65), young children( particularly those under five), and people with existing health conditions. Having strategies in place in advance provides the best chance of ensuring participants’ welfare:
Training Sessions
Consider shortening, suspending or even postponing sessions until conditions improve.
Matches – On Field Participants
Pre-match:
• Include weather conditions in your on-site risk assessment.
• Consider the safety of everyone attending including spectators, staff and volunteers.
• Monitor the weather forecast in the days before the event including wind chill or‘ feels like’ temperature.
• Check the air pollution forecast – in hot weather air pollution can increase and cause problems for people with breathing problems or asthma.
• The day before the fixture, check the forecasted temperature and / or any Heat-Health Alert issued, as well as the UV index, and plan appropriately.
• Consider whether the match could be moved to avoid the hottest part of the day, or time