Cancer Council collaborated with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and other key stakeholders, including esteemed athletes Curtis McGrath OAM and Jamie Roberts, to develop a national position statement aimed at reducing the risks of skin cancer in sport, and to foster a robust sun protection culture for all Australians engaged in sports.
The five evidence-based guidelines on how to implement sun safe practices recommended in the AIS’ Sun Safe Position Statement include:
- Elimination: Scheduling events for days with predicted low UV and, where possible, moving the activity indoors.
- Substitution: Arranging activities either earlier or later in the day helps avoid periods of peak UV exposure.
- Engineering controls: If games are outdoors, precautionary steps such as providing shade will reduce unnecessary time in the sun.
- Administrative controls: Implementing a UV policy - for example, training staff and players on sun safety (including Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide) and providing training uniform.
- Personal Protection Equipment: Mandating SunSmart strategies that limit UV radiation, such as a uniform policy or scheduled sunscreen top-ups.
With these measures, it is not only about safeguarding athletes, but fostering a culture of sun safety that resonates far beyond the sporting arena.