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Understanding UV Radiation
Vitamin D and sun protection
Five ways to be SunSmart
Shade
Protetive clothing
Hat
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Suscreen
Sunburn, suntans & solariums
Sunburn
Suntans
Solariums
SunSmart schools
What is a SunSmart School
Early childhood
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Sport and Recreation
SunSmart resources
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Why be SunSmart?
Outdoor activities are a part of Australian culture. We participate in a wide range of sporting activities such as tennis, rowing, sailing, walking, cycling and gardening. Being involved in physical activity is important for physical and mental health. However, sun protection needs to be considered all year round in the Northern Territory. Being outdoors without sun protection can result in skin damage, sunburn and,  potentially, skin cancer.
Sun protection should be a major feature of your group's policies and practices for the safety and wellbeing of your participants, members, employees, volunteers and spectators.
By adopting a few SunSmart practices you can help reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Protecting participants
SunSmart encourages and promotes sun protection in sports and recreational activities where participants and spectators are at risk of skin damage from exposure to the sun.
For the best protection against UV radiation:
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Slip on some sun protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
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Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun
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Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, necks and ears
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Seek shade
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Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
Each sport or activity presents different opportunities to protect participants. It is not practical for tennis players to wear wide-brimmed hats while on the court, so they should make sure that they use plenty of sunscreen, wear suitable hats when playing, use shade during the change-over periods and wear at least collared, elbow-length shirts.
Lawn bowls players, on the other hand, can wear a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, as well as using sunscreen.
Caps are not recommended as they offer no protection to the sides of the face or back of the neck.
Protecting spectators
Sports and recreation clubs should make the most of natural and built shade so that spectators are comfortable and protected from the sun's harmful UV rays.
It is also important for clubs to encourage spectators to come well prepared by reminding them to be SunSmart before arriving at the event. Encouraging sun protection throughout the day through signage, announcements and providing sunscreen for spectators who have not come prepared is also recommended.
Hat Guidelines
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