The FFA released a statement yesterday defending the decision not to reschedule Sunday’s A-League and W-League matches in Adelaide.
The release also refuted Wellington Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre’s tentative claims that some of his players were suffering from heatstroke during the weekend match at Coopers Stadium, staged in near-40-degree heat.
“The FFA Heat Policy clearly states that drinks breaks should be implemented if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 26 degrees and there should be consideration of delays and postponement if the WBGT reaches 28. The FFA Heat Policy offers greater consideration to players welfare than the FIFA policy and that of most other sports around the world,” the statement read.
“The WBGT reading before the match on Sunday in Adelaide was 25.6. Despite this, Head of A-League Greg O’Rourke, who was at the match, consulted both Team Doctors and it was agreed to insert drinks breaks into the match as a further sign of FFA’s interest in player welfare. This was all agreed and acknowledged by both teams.”
Firstly, let’s unpack this Wet Bulb Globe Temperature system.
The WBGT reading combines three different methods of measurement that, when combined, hope to offer a rounded assessment on the harshness of the heat conditions, and what effects they stand to have specifically on humans.
The first section (Tw), aiming to simulate the process of evaporative cooling via sweating, uses a thermometer covered by wet cotton wick.
The second (Tg) is a thermometer placed inside a black globe, designed to test the effects of radiation and wind.
The third part (Ta) is a simple, weather-shaded thermometer, the results of which are similar to the sort of temperature readings you’ll hear from your wise-cracking weatherman – or indeed, immaculately dressed weatherwoman.
The three readings are combined using a formula which places the most emphasis on the wet-wick result, and the least on the weather-shaded reading.
WBGT = (0.7 × Tw) + (0.2 × Tg) + (0.1 × Ta)
It is a method used widely, especially in the military and sporting sectors.
Once the results are fed into the formula, the final figure is ranked. Any figure between 25.6-27.7 is ‘white’ category, the lowest bracket. In roughly two-degree increments, the categories increase in intensity – and therefore danger to the subjects – all the way up to category ‘black’, which is any WBGT reading above 32.2 C.
According to the FFA, the pre-match reading was 25.6, placing it, according to their statement, just under – or on the cusp of – the threshold considered extreme enough to postpone or alter the fixture.
While the WBGT method is the most widely used and user-friendly way of getting a preliminary assessment of the severity of the thermal conditions, it is not exempt from criticism, and has been the subject of multiple inquests as to its exactitude.
Questions over the manner in which it assumes accuracy while relying on the non-linear processes of heat and mass transfer, as well as its less-than-stellar inclusion of other factors, like the type of clothing subjects are wearing, into its assessment. A 2012 study determined that fluctuations in readings were common, even when conditions were static, resulting in an unhelpful degree of ambiguity in the final result.
Additionally, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology states that “the effects of the four environmental factors [air temperature, mean radiant temperature, humidity, and air velocity] on the WBGT do not necessarily match those of humans under all conditions.”
Naturally, as the measurement is simply a snapshot of the conditions at the time of reading, it can’t take into account any further increase in heat, or other factors that would affect the health of the athletes.
There can surely be no doubt, however, that even if Greenacre’s claims of heatstroke were hyperbolic, many of the Phoenix players – as well as the Adelaide players, or indeed any of the W-League players who took part in the earlier match, with the sun beating down from higher in the sky – were victims of advanced heat exhaustion.
There were reports of spectators, sitting still with cool drinks in hand, who had to be seen to for heat-related maladies.
The FFA spoke, in its statement, of how the decision to insert drinks breaks was “a further sign of FFA’s interest in player welfare”. The pre-match reading was fractionally below the level where drinks breaks are mandatory; sorry, you get no credit for your above-and-beyond gesture of liquid generosity, guys.
How much the reluctance to reschedule was affected by sycophantism to the A-League broadcaster has been discussed in the days since. Clearly, scheduling – as it is in almost all football leagues worldwide – has been allowed to attach disproportionate weight to the desires of the broadcaster, as opposed to the stadium attendees, or the players and clubs.
Rather than hiding behind the results of a questionable method of heat-danger assessment, perhaps common sense might have prevailed.
It was 40 degrees, for goodness sake!
High-summer fixtures must be more flexible, especially those stages in places prone to extreme heat. Persisting under oppressive conditions is simply inviting a tragic accident.
Australia is a nation almost defined by the image of sport played under the sun. The flick of sweat off a brow, a deep draught on a cool beverage, the shadow of a hunched athlete cast across a heat-shimmered stretch of turf; these beloved tableaux, worth protecting.
But not at the potential cost of an athlete’s welfare.
Ants32
Roar Rookie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf2nU_KUEB0
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Don't be so negative I expect us to win in 2018, too. :D
Kasey
Guest
Well if that's the case then play the game but perhaps allow one extra player on the bench and one extra sub during the game because of the heat. Here's a tip FFA ... if you need to have 2! 'drinks' breaks in each half to play the game then its probably too hot to play it at all. I was there and the WBGT can take a flying leap. It was farken hot!! and there was no shade for spectators. I found it oppressive just standing up and spectating! Cant imagine how it must have felt to play in it. You cant tell me the quality of the game didn't suffer:( FFA are one of the most reactive sports organisations in the country. they only jump at things after they've occurred, drawing negative headlines is the only way to get them to do anything. It will take a player almost dying (or god forbid actually dying) for them to do anything even approaching common sense :(
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I'd answer that Punter, but I'm blinded by agendas.
punter
Guest
Rick you do confuse me, you say you like to watch the best in the sport & you watch EPL???? Would be struggling to make top 3 in the world.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
I didn't bring the AFL up. You seem mad.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Thanks for giving me a better understanding of your history. I'll give you a brief history myself. It will help answer a majority of your questions. I played 89 games for Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL. The jump to AFL was very significant, and although being a ruck rover for one of the best teams in the competition at the time, I was torn between an academic pathway and full-time professional football. I chose an academic pathway, but I most likely wouldn't have been good enough for AFL. So in answer to: "For me, the poor standard of play in the AFL is barely above suburban Aussie Rules", my answer is quite different. One of the biggest issues for rookie AFL players is the jump from second tier competitions (i.e SANFL/VFL). The gap in far greater than we see between the Championship & PL for instance in England. Promoted teams can compete (despite quite often going down the following year). We also see this in FA Cup matches where minion teams can hold their own against the likes of United, Arsenal etc. An SANFL team would have no chance against an AFL team. Part of this can also be attributed to the scoring mechanics of both games, but I don't want to digress the discussion at hand. Rucking is quite different though. We've seen over the past three decades players from all walks-of-life playing in this position at the highest level — some with very little to no experience. Pyke and Stynes instantly come to mind. Height is critical here and will quite often dominate skill. Naturally looking for height outside of Australia is common sense, which many clubs are now exploring further, especially in the USA. You may well have been capable of playing AFL, if indeed you had both height and some level of athleticism, but we're talking a very small percentage here in a very specialised position. I will admit: the game has changed a lot over the past 10 years in particular. I really have been meaning to write an extensive article on this too, addressing many of these changes. Parts of the game I enjoy more, some aspects...not so much. Traditional positions are almost non-existent now such as the glamorous full forward. The AFL is constantly meddling with the rules to bring this back, but I just accept it as evolution of the game. Both games I love for different reasons, but I just don't have time to watch multiple competitions in the same sport. I'm an elitist; as such I'll follow the best and only the best in each respective sport I follow — that does not include the A-League.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
"I’ll potentially answer some of your questions Mark, but first answer this in relation to your following comment: “For me, the poor standard of play in the AFL is barely above suburban Aussie Rules” How many suburban Aussie Rules game have you been to over the past 10 years?" Hi Rick, I played as junior and was pretty handy centreman (top 3 in B@F's a couple of times), but that was a little over 25 years ago. I played half a season in D grade amateurs about 15 years ago and was getting about 15-20 touches a game in the centre. I watched a few De La games over a couple of seasons about 15-12 years ago, but that's the last time I was at a suburban game. I've posted a few questions over on the AFL tab in an article "how your club stacks up for the AFL season". Maybe we can continue to post over there?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I'll potentially answer some of your questions Mark, but first answer this in relation to your following comment: "For me, the poor standard of play in the AFL is barely above suburban Aussie Rules" How many suburban Aussie Rules game have you been to over the past 10 years? PS I wouldn't worry about our little hero. He's been weighed, measured and found wanting.
MarkfromCroydon
Roar Pro
Rick, I can't see why you think the standard of the A League is poor. From what I've seen, it's a pretty good quality when compared to the play within a lot of leagues around the world. I've watched a lot of football from across the world for many years and I think the A League is a good standard. Sure, it's not La Liga, but it's still good. I'm interested in your opinion on the standard of Aussie Rules. For me, the poor standard of play in the AFL is barely above suburban Aussie Rules and is much, much worse than it was say 30 years ago. Yes, the players are generally on average better athletes, but the standard of play is atrocious. Now, I am only basing this on about 10 games in the last 10 years or so that I have seen, but in those ones, the game was virtually unwatchable. The games were, a Carlton v North game live in about 2010, 2 Carlton games live towards the end of last year vs Melb and Essendon, a Grand Final (2014) between Hawthorn and Sydney (which I reckon if I was 20 again and did a year of fitness work, I could've played in and been useful so bad were the skills on display), and about 4-5 grand finals b/w 2005,2010ish. I'm not trying to be antagonistic here, I genuinely think that. Whilst I always preferred football, I actually used to find a little time to also watch Aussie Rules right up into my 20's and enjoy it, but I just got less interested as I had less time and the aesthetics of the sport seems to decrease. P.S Please no other code war warriors I'm genuinely interested to get Ricks opinion on the standard of AFL, and in particular whether Carlton is worth watching (I know they won't win it but will they be pushing for finals). I might actually go to a few Blues games this year, so I do want to know if it's worthwhile going to watch the Blues, or if I should let the kids go with relos and do the garden instead.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"when they are blinded by agendas" Mind elaborating on that punter?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"And I find your essay answers are mind-numbingly boring" ...yet you find it entertaining reading through the plethora of comments I've provided above. Sorry Fuss, that makes no sense. You constantly comment on my posts; it's rarely reciprocal, despite this notion of having no interest in what I've got to say. Remember those late Friday nights stalking me on this site?...that was creepy stuff indeed. Tell you what though: I'll even let you self-referee this one. Make a compelling argument you've out debated me in anything of meaning today and I'll leave the football tab permanently.
punter
Guest
Jack, give you a hint, we really don't care about what AFL does or doesn't, the sport is only big in 4 states of all of Australia. I live in one of those states that it's only a niche sport.
punter
Guest
Firstly, as a straight laced person, I feel sorry for your kids. Secondly, I admire you give your valuable time to discuss something that you regard as a pile of #@$%, I just don't have the patience or energy to give attention to a pile of #@$%, hence why you rarely find me on the AFL tab. Thirdly, while not going as far as Nemesis, it's very hard to give anyone much due respect when they are blinded by agendas.
Nemesis
Guest
Rick, the reason I don't follow up on those links you've provided is because you just don't make any sense. You put together random thoughts that have no connection & you think that is an argument. It's not. They are nonsensical rambling thoughts. And I find your essay answers are mind-numbingly boring.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
That link should be: http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/01/16/a-league-introduces-new-import-quota-rule/#comment-5446819 I'll also add this will be the third time I've asked you to explain this.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"and, the most comical of all, trying to convince us you are good at debate." I am. Just look at this thread as an example of how I continue to embarrass you in every debate. You once again came to me, challenged my comments and lost! On the VERY few occasions I even comment on anything you have to say...you just runaway & hide. You want further proof I'm a far superior debater than you Fuss; look no further than the defence of your own article: http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/01/31/ffas-statement-heat-confirms-recklessness/ Anytime you want to address my comments there Fuss, go right ahead. I'll even leave this site permanently if punter doesn't agree in my summation above. Nothing but cowardice Fuss. No one respects you on this site, not even the teacher who strokes your ego because he feels sorry for you. I never harass, stalk or belittle anyone on this site, not initially anyway. I pass my comments either as opinion or fact. If people want to challenge those comments, I'm more than happy to respond. If people want to harass or belittle, I'll return the favour 10-fold — you're a prime example of this.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
That's not entirely true - the AFL is obligated to schedule games at specific times. Most of which aren't the traditional 2pm or 7:30pm starts. The difference is that it's incredibly rare in winter to have problems with the heat. It's why you play winter sports actually in winter.
Nemesis
Guest
Rick, it's not that I dismiss your insights about football. I find them comical. I don't understand your obsession with trying to convince us you are knowledgeable. You are not knowledgeable beyond regurgitating what you read on Wikipedia. Your background in life & education is easily exposed by your insecurities in telling us all how great you are, how much everyone values your insights and, the most comical of all, trying to convince us you are good at debate. The bottom line is you don't watch enough football to have anything meaningful to add to discussions about the quality/standard of football in Australia. I'm sure you are well-equipped to discuss the quality of AFL in Australia. I don't watch any AFL so I don't have anything meaningful to add to any AFL discussion.
Bondy
Guest
If they pi** blood then its to hot to play ,that should be the benchmark ...