Sun Safety with the Australian Institute of Sport

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:

1. Elimination: Scheduling events for days with predicted low UV and, where possible, moving the activity indoors.
2. Substitution: Arranging activities either earlier or later in the day helps avoid periods of peak UV exposure.
3. Engineering controls: If games are outdoors, precautionary steps such as providing shade will reduce unnecessary time in the sun.
4. 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.
5. 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.