The issue of determining a match is cancelled due to heat is not so much the "what, where and when" but the "who, and how" seems to be where the confusion begins. The current rules state; "If at 7.30 a.m. on the day of play for morning and afternoon pennants the temperature forecast for Nuriootpa is estimated to reach 40 degrees, the game shall be cancelled". There would be minimal, if any, problems with interpreting this information. It is clear and concise in determining the "what, where and when" of the issue. It would be significant to acquire the forecast for the local area, even though the association clubs are spread over a considerable locale. Wherever the source of the forecast is determined it should be from minimal sources to avoid confusion and accessible at the time required to verify if a game is on or off.
It is how members obtain the information that can reduce the consistency of that information. With the vast range of media and technology at our disposal would it not be a good idea to go direct to the source of the forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology? As we all may discover the variations in temperature predictions can vary from television, radio and other applications as much as 5 degrees in some cases for the same forecast and for the same area.
Once the "what, where and when" is established, which currently is already in the rules, it is a matter of "who and how" the announcement of match cancellation is communicated. With most, if not all members and clubs, having access to technology to retrieve the temperature forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology website for Nuriootpa it makes sense that it be the source. Further to the communication of cancelled matches, as an idea for consideration, the notification of a cancelled match could be distinctly posted on this website at the determined time allowing instant clarification. For members without internet access as stated above regarding the source of the forecast, the source of a cancelled match probably should be one specific club member with the most likely candidate being the chairperson of selections as the point of contact .
The views in this article remain those of the author and not the association and your comments are always welcome.