The Extreme Heat Policy is a rule pertaining to the Australian Open (tennis). It was introduced in 1998 after consultation with a number of tennis players. The policy reads:
The Australian Open Extreme Heat Policy (EHP) will be applied at the Referee's discretion and may be altered at any time.At the Referee's discretion, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature only (WBGT) is equal to or above the pre-determined threshold, the Referee may suspend the commencement of any further matches on outside courts.
Any matches currently in progress will continue until the end of the current set. At the completion of the set, play will be suspended.
Where play in any match commences outdoors (or with a roof open) and the WBGT temperature is equal to or exceeds the pre-determined threshold, the match will continue until the completion of the set. At the end of the set a decision may be made by the Referee to close the roof for the remainder of the match and the following matches, when the EHP is still in effect.
A roof will only be closed because of extreme heat if a decision has been made by the Referee to suspend the completion or commencement of matches on the outdoor courts.
Supplement for women’s singles and junior singles only; to allow a 10-minute break between the second and third sets when a WBGT reading of 28 has been recorded prior to the calling of the match by Tournament Control. Readings are continually made throughout the day.
The 10-minute break will not apply between the second and third sets, if play had previously been suspended after the first set due to the EHP.The WBGT is used to help decide whether the EHP should be implemented. The WBGT is a measure of heat stress index and takes into account the actual temperature as well as radiation, wind, and humidity. It is a combination of the WBGT with the actual air temperature that is used to decide whether the EHP is activated.
The Australian Open refuses to reveal what the "pre-determined threshold" is for the WBGT although some sources state that it is 28 degrees .
The heat rule was first invoked during the quarterfinal round in 1997.
Officials considered closing the roof for the final in 1993 due to a temperature of 104 degrees (40 °C), but Jim Courier threatened to boycott the match unless the roof remained open.
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—John Ashbery (b. 1927)
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