Section 14
Health, Safety & Welfare
~2 min read14.1 First Aid
- A qualified first-aid team must be present at every match venue.
- A first-aid kit complying with Uganda Red Cross standards must be available pitchside/courtside.
- For knockout-stage matches (quarter-finals onwards), an ambulance must be on standby at the venue.
14.2 Concussion Protocol
The Mayor's Cup adopts a precautionary approach to head injuries:
- Any player suspected of having suffered a concussion must be immediately removed from play.
- The player may not return to the match under any circumstances.
- The player must obtain written medical clearance before participating in any subsequent match or training session.
- The "if in doubt, sit it out" principle applies. Match officials may stop play to allow assessment of a head injury.
14.3 Extreme Weather Policy
- Lightning: Play is immediately suspended if lightning is observed. Players and spectators must seek shelter. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike.
- Excessive heat: The match referee may authorise additional water breaks (3 minutes each) at approximately the midpoint of each half/quarter/set/turn.
- Heavy rain: The referee may suspend play if the playing surface becomes dangerous. If a match cannot be completed, the OC determines whether it is replayed or the result at the time of suspension stands.
14.4 Player Welfare Officer
The OC appoints a Player Welfare Officer responsible for:
- Monitoring the physical and mental wellbeing of participants
- Providing a confidential point of contact for players with welfare concerns
- Overseeing safeguarding measures for players under 18
- Coordinating with medical personnel and emergency services
14.5 Anti-Doping
The OC reserves the right to conduct anti-doping tests in accordance with WADA and NADA Uganda guidelines. Refusal to submit to a test is treated as a positive result.