Sierra Leone Premier League Board mandates cooling breaks

The Sierra Leone Premier League Board (PLB) has announced the immediate introduction of mandatory cooling breaks for all Premier League matches. The directive, issued by the PLB Secretariat in Freetown, requires breaks to be observed during both halves of every match to protect player welfare and safety.

The decision responds to unusually high temperatures during the country's dry season. With many matches scheduled for 4:15 p.m., players face risks of dehydration, dizziness, muscle cramps, and heatstroke when competing in temperatures ranging from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius. The measure applies to all clubs, referees, and match commissioners.

Under the new rules, referees will oversee these rest periods, which are intended for hydration and cooling rather than tactical adjustments. Typically, such breaks occur between the 25th and 30th minute of the first half and the 70th and 75th minute of the second half, lasting between 90 seconds and three minutes.