Extreme Heat Guidance for Team Captains
23 Jun 2026
Extreme Heat Advisory — Match Guidance
The following guidance has been issued by the committee for matches which are due to be played during periods of extreme heat.
The 30°C threshold
Where the BBC Weather forecast shows temperatures of 30°C or above at the scheduled start time, captains may agree to postpone the match. This decision should be made no earlier than two hours before the scheduled start time, to allow conditions to be assessed as close to the match as possible. In such circumstances, away teams are not required to travel and the decision can be based on the forecast temperature for the match location.
If captains cannot agree, bye-law 15a applies and the match must be postponed.
The 30°C threshold is deliberately cautious, and we have tried to apply a common sense approach whilst recognising that there is only a two week window at the end of the season to fulfil outstanding fixtures.
Postponed matches
Where a match is postponed, the home club’s Match Secretary must notify the League Secretary within three days and offer three alternative dates, following the standard bye-law 15 process.
Staying safe in the heat
When playing in hot weather, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Drink plenty of water before and during play, and consider bringing iced water to keep drinks cool throughout the match. Wear light and breathable clothing, apply sun cream, and take longer breaks between sets to allow your body to cool down. Make use of any shade available during changeovers and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Q&A
What if the forecast shows 29°C - can captains still use their discretion?
The agreed threshold is 30°C at the scheduled start time as shown on the BBC Weather forecast. If the forecast shows 29°C, the heat provision does not apply and the match should go ahead. A clear and consistent cut-off is essential. Without a hard limit, 29 degrees soon becomes 28 and the policy becomes unenforceable. Players should still take sensible precautions in hot weather below the 30°C threshold, keeping well hydrated and taking breaks when necessary. Matches below 30°C can of course be conceded in the usual way if a captain is unable to field a team.
If the A Team postpones, do the B and C Teams also have to postpone?
Each match is treated independently. B and C Team captains should reach their own decision based on the needs and circumstances of the players in their team. However, if the A Team match is postponed, those players may not then be made available to a lower team that evening, in line with bye-law 15e which states that teams must be selected on merit and in the true spirit of fair play.