Wet Weather / Hazardous Conditions
In preparation for unpredictable weather conditions, Ryde Little Athletics has implemented this policy to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
This document aims to summarise our key decision-making process regarding the implementation and application of this policy, providing clarity and transparency for all of our members.
The difficult decision to run, cancel or modify the regular Dunbar program will be made no later than 8am the morning of competition. When possible we will aim to have an announcement to social media by 7.15am on the morning of competition, so club members should avoid contacting the committee prior to this time.
Club members should always assume that competition will be held, unless they hear from the committee directly. Club members should not be reliant on weather forecasts as forecasts can be inaccurate. Members should be assured that the committee will always follow LANSW policy as well as make decisions based on actual observed conditions at Dunbar on the day.
When possible, the committee will offer a Saturday morning athletics program within the LANSW guidelines to those that are keen to participate. Members are reminded that if the club chooses to run competition, that they are not obliged to attend if they choose otherwise.
In the event of the wet weather program being utilised, the program that was scheduled will be postponed until the following week.
The track manager in conjunction with any executive committee members that are present at Dunbar by 7am make the decision by majority vote based on the following 5 points…
1. Are we going to DAMAGE THE GROUND if we run on it? If not, go to Q2. If puddles are isolated to the north western corner, consider the wet-weather program with distance events on western path 200m loop or swapping 400/800 to a 200m (1500m can be 3 laps outside of the fence or canceled. No records can be set if events are not on the track). Wet weather programs can be altered if required to suit conditions. If this is not possible then cancel.
2. Is there any DANGER? Yes=cancel, No =Q3
1. Is there any Visible lightning or thunder? If so,suspend until no lightning for 30 mins. Use LANSW Lightning Policy.
2. Heat forecast above 30°C = set up shade marquees, water stations and misting system. Above 33°C consider suspending distance events / program based on temp / humidity levels, if above 39°C = suspend. Use LANSW heat and humidity policy. Record temp and humidity every 15 minutes once above 32°C.
3. Air quality. Use aqi reading on OEH website. Use LANSW air quality Policy. If pollution above 67 monitor and make announcements, 100+ no distance events, above 150 = cancel.
4. If No Danger move onto Q3
3. Heavy Rain = 5mm+ per hour or puddles forming on ground or yellow, orange or red within 5km of Dunbar on the BOM radar. Monitor radar and visible conditions from Dunbar until 7.10am. Is it RAINING HEAVILY at 7.10am and radar indicates it’s not going to stop by 8.30am? (Do not use any forecast model, only BOM radar, BOM Observations and current Dunbar conditions/ observations that you can see. If yes, consider delaying start or cancel. If not Raining heavily goto Q4.
4. If light rain, drizzle or rain appears to be intermittent or passing no announcement needed, WAIT until 7.40am to decide between wet weather, modified or normal program (again do not use any forecast, only BOM radar, BOM Observations and current observations). We have a wet weather program because athletics can run in most wet weather conditions other than the extremes.
5. Reassess if actual observed conditions get worse. (Again do not rely on forecast only use observations inc radar)
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