ABSTRACT
Kay and Vamplew (2002:157) remind us that everyone concerned with sport – players, administrators, promoters, spectators and many others – all pay attention to the weather forecaster who referees many a decision concerning whether sport is on, off, likely to be interrupted or likely to be safe from the elements. Information about the weather is a vital determinant which influences the decisions made by event organisers, ground staff, spectators and others. Some sports venues, they point out, such as Wimbledon and Old Trafford have their own weather centres while other sports rely on the local meteorological office. The All England cricket club has two radar systems while the Professional Golfers Association in the USA has two full-time meteorologists on site. Outdoor activities rely upon specialist weather services. Football grounds and racecourses require accurate assessments of the weather in advance of match or race day. The weather affects the preparation for Formula 1 races in terms of the tyres that the drivers will put on the car. Thus it might be argued that the weather is a vital environmental determinant influencing sports events and seasons.
