With the extreme weather forecast of 37 degree temperatures for Hobart on Saturday, Football Tasmania, has, after careful consideration made the decision to postpone all Saturday fixtures, including the NPL TAS triple header at KGV and reschedule them.
FT CEO Matthew Bulkeley said that whilst the decision was regrettable given the anticipation around the triple header, player safety was paramount and it had to take priority.
"This decision has not been taken lightly as we are aware of all the work and anticipation that has gone into this weekend however we have a duty of care for all players and officials and this must be paramount."
"Football Tasmania has consulted with other states governing bodies in arriving at this decision, especially those where this kind of weather is a more common occurrence, and the action of postponing or changing the kick-off times of games is a consistent step that is taken when extreme hot weather is predicted. With this in mind we believe this is the most prudent step for us to take."
With synthetic turf absorbing heat at a more rapid rate than grass, the on field temperature at KGV could well soar to the mid to high 40's, representing a clear danger to the players and match officials well being.
Bulkeley said that whilst it was disappointing to have to postpone a marquee day, there was still plenty of big days coming up for the fans to enjoy.
"I would encourage everyone who was planning on attending on Saturday to get to Warrior Park on Friday night for the NPL season opener between South Hobart and Olympia. Then next weekend we have the Women's Summer Cup Final and the week after that there is a North Hobart double header, so there is certainly no shortage of exciting footballing action coming up."
The NPL TAS triple header is likely to be rescheduled for Easter Monday, with other scheduled Summer Cup games on the Saturday to be moved to either before 11am, after 6pm, or to a later date.