Disabled sport
Sun protection guidelines for those participating, spectating, or working in sport or
outdoor recreation. The following specific tips have been developed with the help of the
Activity Alliance.
Disabled sport
- Apply a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher, paying special attentionto your ears, nose and other areas which are prone to burning.
- Get into the habit of applying sunscreen before you start training or playing.
- Assist anyone who has difficulty applying sunscreen to the hard-to-reach areas.
- Once applied to the skin, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you are prone to excessive sweating, in or out or water, or simply working hard!
- Be mindful that people with disabilities may have different tolerances to the sun or may not be able to detect when their skin is feeling hot (or cold).
- The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm so on particularly hot days, if possible, try to plan play outside of these hours.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Compression sleeves are a good alternative for those that might find long-sleeved shirt or trousers too hot.
- Using a sunscreen applicator or cleaning palms with a small towel and alcohol gel, is a good way to avoid fumbling the ball due to greasy hands whilst playing.
- Wheelchair users can be particularly susceptible to sunburn on the tops of legs, so consider longer clothing.
- Hydration is essential in reducing the risk of overheating so keep a bottle of water on hand and sip regularly.
- Protective clothing is highly beneficial for people with a range of disabilities that make them more susceptible to burning, or less able to move into shade easily.
- When not actively playing and during breaks, make sure to rest in shaded areas to reduce your exposure to the sun.
- Whilst spectating, do so in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
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