10 days after TMSG’s story questioning the 2pm kick-off timings in the Singapore Youth League, the Football Association of Singapore has acted.
This comes after a child suffered what was suspected to be a heat stress incident in a match between Star Soccer Academy U17 and ActiveSG.
On 8 March, the FAS informed all participating clubs that the 2pm kick-off time slots in the Singapore Youth League for the U13s to U17s will be moved to 3pm instead, which appears to be aligned with the start times of schools matches.
This takes effect from this weekend’s matches onwards.
As a result of the change, the scheduled 4.30pm matches will start at 5.15pm and the 7pm will now start at 7.30pm.
Matches in the morning will remain status quo, said the FAS in its email to participating clubs from the competitions department.
The FAS also reminded clubs about the mandatory water breaks and the provision of ice and cooler bins, given than it “is recommended that during hot periods, players can place ice packs or ice towels on their necks, wrists, forehead to help lower body temperature rapidly, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
“Teams may also use the ice to cool their drinks, as cold drinks are absorbed quicker by the body,” the FAS said.
While two club officials who spoke to TMSg welcomed the changes and felt it was the right thing to do, they added that questions about the timings for matches during Ramadan remain, with the threats of walkovers still a reality.
However, the FAS said in the note to clubs that “ee are also reviewing the protocols for the upcoming Muslim fasting month, and we endeavour to provide you with an update on this matter at the soonest possible opportunity.”
MAIN PHOTO: SINGAPORE YOUTH LEAGUE