The Korea Tennis Association implements a safety manual for game operation to protect players in the heat wave
Jul 07, 2025
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The safety manual, created in advance in consultation with related committees and associations under the association, began to be implemented last weekend. It applies to all competitions organized by the association, from junior to senior. The association also distributed related official documents and manuals to 17 affiliated city and provincial associations and six associations (elementary, middle, and high school, university, unemployment, women, and seniors).
The new manual was created to prepare for abnormal weather conditions that occur in summer, such as heat waves and lightning strikes. The related regulations are in accordance with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) regulations, and a player protection device that meets international standards has been prepared this time. Until now, there have been no regulations in domestic competitions to respond to specific conditions or situations, and the repertoire in charge of each competition has applied some international regulations and local rules. As a result, depending on the position of some participants or organizers, player protection and safety were sometimes pushed out of the priority list.
According to this safety manual, the repertoire can give a break or stop it altogether based on the heat index (WBGT) standard, which combines temperature, humidity, and radiant heat. For example, if the heat index is 30.1 or the temperature is 34 degrees Celsius or higher, a 10-minute break is allowed when more than one player requests between the second and third sets based on the third set of matches. Coaching is not permitted at this time.
If the heat index exceeds 32.2 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Celsius, the repertoire will stop the start or resumption of the game until the standard is lifted. If the game is in progress, the game should be stopped at the end of the game. In consultation with the tournament director (TD), Referry should also adjust the game time the next day according to weather forecasts such as heat waves. The heat index was stipulated in the manual to measure the repertoire at least three times a day (30 minutes before the game, mid-game, and before the last game).
In the case of lightning strikes, if it is determined that thunder and lightning are imminent (if thunder is heard within 30 seconds after the lightning sighting), the repertory stops the game. Competition management should provide guidance to evacuate everyone in the stadium to safety.
Chairman Joo Won-hong said, "The climate crisis issue is raising sustainability and safety issues in sports beyond environmental issues. The purpose is to keep all referees and spectators participating in tennis matches safe from young players by modifying the association's manual in accordance with international regulations.
The association plans to make player protection and safety a top priority and continue to supplement and improve related regulations to ensure that domestic tennis tournaments meet international standards.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
