Rugby League matches this weekend will see hydration breaks take place, with the RFL keen to ensure player welfare standards are at the highest they could possibly be.
Due to the extreme weather conditions taking place this week, something that will continue into the weekend, the sport’s governing body have confirmed that there will be mandatory stoppages in place for players to take on extra water and fluids.
The breaks will occur at the 20 and 60-minute marks of games, and if the temperatures rise even further, additional breaks will be considered at the 30 and 70-minute marks.
If a try has been scored or there has been a stoppage for injury management at around this time, the referee will extend the stoppage by a further 60 seconds and this will act as the break.
With player welfare paramount, the RFL has moved to put measures in place to minimise the effects of this during contests. The changes will take place at both professional and community level.
An RFL statement reads in full:
“The Rugby Football League will introduce hydration breaks to all games this weekend in a proactive bid to aid players during the extreme weather.
“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber extreme heat warning for England and Wales.
“With player welfare paramount, the RFL has moved to put measures in place to minimise the effects of this during contests.
“A break of at least 90 seconds will be implemented at an appropriate break in play around the 20-minute and 60-minute points.
“If a try has been scored or there has been a stoppage for injury management at around this time, the referee will extend the stoppage by a further 60 seconds and this will act as the break.
“Hydration opportunities will also be maximised during breaks in play and there will be increased access to water and electrolyte-based fluids before, during and after games.
“There will be reminders of availability of cold fluids in technical areas and changing rooms.
“Depending on the severity of conditions, additional drinks breaks will be considered – an extra 90 second break at the half-hour mark and 70 minutes.
“In terms of cooling measures, cold towels, ice and cooling equipment will be positioned pitchside and, where possible, the provision of shaded areas and use of fans or air-conditioned changing facilities.
“The match commissioner (or match referee where no match commissioner) will inform clubs if heat conditions merit the measures being put in place and the decision will be taken 90 minutes before kick-off.”
