How Australian Sports Teams Use the Arctic Heat Ice Vest

Australian sports teams across AFL, NRL, rugby, cricket, tennis, and soccer are increasingly using the Arctic Heat ice vest as standard equipment for managing heat during pre-season training, match warm-ups, and half-time recovery. The same vest trusted by Olympic athletes since 2004 is accessible to every Australian sporting club, from elite professional teams to weekend community clubs.

How do AFL and NRL teams use cooling vests?

Pre-season training in January and February, and early-season fixtures through March and April, regularly take place in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Heat protocols at elite level now include cooling vests as standard practice. Here is how Australian football and rugby league teams use them:

• Pre-game warm-up: Players wear the vest during the warm-up period to arrive at the first bounce or kick-off with a lower core temperature.
• Half-time recovery: The vest goes on immediately at half-time to maximise the recovery window. Fifteen minutes of cooling at half-time can meaningfully reduce accumulated heat load before the second half.
• Between quarters: AFL teams use the vest during the shorter quarter-time and three-quarter-time breaks as well.
• Bench players: Players waiting to be substituted in wear the vest on the bench to stay cooler than those on the field.
• Pre-season conditioning: During pre-season fitness testing and conditioning sessions, the vest is worn between sets and drills.

How do tennis players use cooling vests in Australian heat?

Tennis is one of the most heat-exposed sports in Australia. Players can spend 3 to 5 hours on court in direct sun with only 90-second changeover breaks. The Australian Open regularly sees temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius with heat policies triggered and players struggling to perform.

Professional tennis players on the WTA and ATP tours wear ice vests during changeovers and set breaks. The Arctic Heat vest is used before the match during warm-up, and then kept courtside in a cooler for use during longer breaks. Junior players and club competitors benefit just as much from this approach at summer tournaments across Australia.

How do cricketers and fielding teams use cooling vests?

Cricket is unique in that fielding teams can spend extended periods in direct sun without the physical exertion of batting or bowling. The cumulative heat load over a day's play in Australian summer conditions, particularly in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, is significant.

Cricketers use the Arctic Heat vest during drinks breaks and lunch and tea intervals. Fast bowlers in particular use the vest between overs when the field is set and they have a few minutes before their next spell. The vest is kept in a cooler in the change rooms and at the boundary for quick access during breaks.

Can community clubs use the Arctic Heat vest?

Absolutely. The Arctic Heat vest is not exclusive to professional teams. Community football clubs, junior cricket associations, tennis clubs, and soccer teams across Australia use it for exactly the same purpose as elite teams. The vest works in a standard household freezer, costs no more to run than any other freezer item, and lasts for years with normal care.

For clubs looking to equip a team, we can supply multiple vests and advise on sizing. Contact us for team orders. The Arctic Heat vest is also used by sports teams in the US and available through Arctic Heat USA.

Frequently asked questions

What sports use cooling vests in Australia?

AFL, NRL, rugby union, soccer, cricket, tennis, cycling, triathlon, running, swimming, motorsport, equestrian, and many others. Any sport played in hot Australian conditions can benefit from pre-cooling with an ice vest.

How many vests does a team need?

For a squad of 20 to 25 players, a practical starting point is 10 to 12 vests. This allows half the squad to be cooling at any time while the other half is active, then rotating. Elite teams often have one vest per player.

How do teams keep vests cold on match day?

A large cooler box or esky with ice keeps vests cold for several hours. Some clubs use a small chest freezer on a trailer or in a team bus for away games. The vests are frozen the night before and kept in the cooler until needed.

Are cooling vests legal in Australian sports?

Yes. Cooling vests are legal equipment under the rules of AFL, NRL, rugby union, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, and all other major Australian sporting bodies. They are classified as thermal management equipment.

Do junior athletes benefit from cooling vests?

Yes, and arguably more so than adults. Children thermoregulate less efficiently than adults and are at higher risk of heat exhaustion. Junior cricketers, footballers, and tennis players benefit significantly from pre-cooling, and the Arctic Heat vest is available in child sizes for young athletes.