What are the rules for playing in heat and lightning?

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Accepted Answer

SA Rugby's Safety in the Playing Environment document (December 2025) requires, at every level, access to the World Rugby Heat Stress Index (HSI) calculator, a lightning warning system (telephone access to this information is enough) and telephone access. Heat (World Rugby Heat and Air Quality Guidelines): HSI Risk Action 0-99 Low Normal procedures 100-149 Moderate More fluids, less unnecessary clothing 150-199 High Mandatory 3-minute cooling break each half; ice towels, mist fans 200-249 Very high Half-time extended to 20 minutes 250+ Extreme Match may be postponed or suspended A suspended match (or training) may resume only when the HSI has been below 230 for at least 45 minutes, the forecast shows a low risk of HSI above 250 within 2 hours (match already started) or 3 hours (not yet started), and the match-day doctor confirms it is safe. Lightning: no play should start when lightning is present in the immediate vicinity. Water: if surface water is deep enough to realistically raise the risk of drowning, the game should not start; the decision rests with the referee.

HSI	Risk	Action
0-99	Low	Normal procedures
100-149	Moderate	More fluids, less unnecessary clothing
150-199	High	Mandatory 3-minute cooling break each half; ice towels, mist fans
200-249	Very high	Half-time extended to 20 minutes
250+	Extreme	Match may be postponed or suspended