Severe Weather and Highland Games

More and more we’re seeing severe weather conditions during the summer season including sudden storms or high heat and humidity.

Every individual, every band, the PPBSO and the highland games organizers should plan contingencies for these extreme conditions.

Bringing enough hydration and setting up tents for shade is something all members should consider.

Ensuring that tents are staked or tied down is also important. A recent incident at a  highland games highlighted this when a band member was injured due to a flying tent. We hope for a speedy recovery for that band member.

As far as the PPBSO is concerned, I’ve asked the governance committee to review our severe weather policy (Rule Book, Appendix 4) to ensure it’s up to date and to also consider adding a severe heat contingency.  All outdoor sports associations in Ontario now have clear and strict heat/humidity and thunder & lightening policies and I will recommend that we align with those policies for sanctioned PPBSO events.

I will also work with highland games committees to try and reduce the length of massed band events.  We all understand that the spectacle of massed bands is a highlight for the games committees and the paying public but do we need bands standing for extended periods in the heat and sun during speeches, introductions, anthems and the like?

Health and safety must be a consideration throughout for all concerned.

Malkie Bow

President, PPBSO