Five tips for how to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide without compromising your game

1. Cover up exposed skin

SLIP on clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as a loose, long-sleeved top and footy jumper with a higher neckline. Look for fabrics that are rated UPF50. Whenever practical, put the footy jumper over the top of a light long-sleeved top to protect your shoulders and arms. If weather is warm, opt for a t-shirt rather than singlet top to protect your neck, shoulders and arms when training.

2. Apply sunscreen correctly and frequently

SLOP on SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to any exposed skin at least 20 minutes before the toss of the coin. Sunscreen won’t provide 100% protection but used in conjunction with other sun protection methods it will greatly reduce your risk of skin damage.

• Consider a dry touch or active formula that won’t be greasy and impact your grip on the ball. 

• Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and more regularly if you’re sweating so put a tube in your bag for later. Hydration breaks and half-time provide the perfect opportunities to reapply.

• Correct application of sunscreen is essential. 85% of Aussies don’t use enough sunscreen, putting themselves at risk. Check out our sunscreen calculator.

3. Protect your face, neck and ears

SLAP on a wide-brim hat when you are off the field to protect your face, neck and ears from the constant UV. During training, wear a legionnaire hat for maximum protection. As a last resort, wear a cap. It will protect most of your face but leave your neck and ears exposed so be vigilant with sunscreen application.

4. Avoid peak UV times of day

Try to schedule training and games earlier in the morning or later in the day when the sun’s UV isn’t as intense. Download the free SunSmart app to stay on top of UV levels and sun protection times. SEEK shady spots to take breaks and hydrate whenever you can.

5. Protect your eyes

SLIDE on sunglasses to protect your eyes from reflected UV off the field and surrounding buildings. Bring sunglasses to protect the eyes and cut the glare when off the ground. For best protection, look for wrap-around sunglasses which meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1067).

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Protect your skin

Whenever the UV Index hits 3 or above, cover up and protect your skin.

When you cover up, you create a barrier between yourself and UV.

Protect your skin by wearing a hat, clothing and sunglasses, apply sunscreen to any skin you can still see and enjoy shady areas outdoors.

Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
 

Clothing

If you can see skin, UV can get in and do damage. Look for clothing that creates a barrier between your skin and UV.

If the fabric doesn’t let much light through, it won’t let much UV through either. The more skin you cover, the more protected you are from the sun’s harmful UV.

• Choose longer skirts and pants and long sleeve shirts, preferably with collars.

• Choose materials that have a close weave for higher UV protection.

• Most fabrics provide some protection from UV. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of UPF50+ provides excellent protection.

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Sunscreen

For any skin you can’t cover with clothing, apply SPF50 or 50+ sunscreen.

Sunscreens sold in Australia meet rigorous standards, so you know they are safe to apply and reapply – look for ‘AUST L’ or ‘AS/NZS 2604:98’ on the label

To get the best possible UV protection, follow the sunscreen directions and reapply at least every two hours.

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside.

• Apply more sunscreen than you think – most adults need 7 teaspoons for one full body application.

• Most make-up products with SPF do not provide enough protection. Apply an SPF50 or 50+ sunscreen first and then your makeup.

• Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect from both UVA and UVB radiation.

• Water resistant sunscreens are less likely to be washed off by water activities or sweat.

• When sunscreen expires, it may no longer be effective – check the expiry date before applying.

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Hat

Protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful UV by wearing a wide brim hat.

Caps and visors leave large parts of your face, neck and ears exposed to UV radiation.

Choose a hat that covers and shades as much of your skin and head as possible like a wide brim hat, legionnaire hat or bucket hat.

• Wide brim hats offer the most protection and should have a brim of at least 7.5cm for adults, 6cm for children over 8 years and 5cm for toddlers.

• Bucket hats have a deep crown and angled brim and should sit low on the head.

• Legionnaire hats have a long flap that overlaps at the side of the front peak and covers the neck and ears.

• Hats made more loosely woven fabrics or materials, like straw, can let UV in. Choose a densely woven fabric to help block UV.

 

Shade

When you’re enjoying the great outdoors, there are many different shade options you can use to create an extra barrier between you and UV radiation from the sun.

Sitting under a tree, finding an umbrella or shade structure is a great way to protect your skin from UV in addition to covering up with clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Trees with dense foliage that provide even shade patches are the best types of natural shade.

• Take a portable shade with you, such as an umbrella or sunshade, to protect yourself from UV exposure.

• UV can also reflect from surfaces around you, like water, sand or concrete. Use a hat, sunglasses, clothing and sunscreen even in the shade to be covered.

 

Sunglasses

UV radiation is harmful for your skin and your eyes.

Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that are labelled with UV protection and are large enough to cover your eyes fully and provide sun protection from all angles.

Choose a close-fitting, wrap-around style of sunglasses.

• Check the tag to make sure they meet the Australian Standard for eye protection (AS1067). The Standard has five categories of sun protection.

• Choose category 2 or higher. These lenses absorb more than 95% of UV radiation.

• Some sunglasses carry an Eye Protection Factor (EPF). Ratings of EPF 9 and 10 provide excellent protection blocking almost all UV radiation.

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UV radiation can’t be seen or felt. Monitor the times of day when UV levels can damage your skin leading to skin cancer.

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Safety and responsibility to participants

Organisations conducting sport and recreation have a duty of care and legal responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all involved.

Providing a safe environment includes protecting people from the sun’s UV and ensuring participants are aware of the need to protect their skin.

SunSmart recommends developing a sun protection policy or clear guidelines clarifying how your organisation will help minimise the risk of overexposure to UV for participants.

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