Update:
Maitland cricket will go ahead on Saturday but umpires and captains have been advised to followe the heat policy throughout the day and stop games as soon as the "feels like" temperature passes 43 degrees.
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In a statement posted shortly after 6pm the Maitland District Cricket Association board said: Noting that the forecast is varying across the association, we have chose NOT to invoke by-law 1.40.5 and cancel matches.
"As such, we implore all clubs, captains and umpires on the day to consider the options available to them in playing matches under severe heat.
"All grades except first Grade are encouraged to liaise with the opposition to arrange a rescheduled start time if they wish. Noting the forecast is expected to peak in the afternoon, we may avoid the worst part of the day if done so. If an agreement can't be made, the normal start time stands.
"In regards to first grade, all matches must start at the same time as these matches are already underway and proposes an unfair advantage if one game starts early and others don't. As such the schedule start time remains.
"All games are advised to follow the MDCA heat policy throughout the day. Schedule more drinks breaks if required, leave the field of play for breaks.
If the "feels like' temperature on BOM passes 43 degrees play MUST stop immediately. Play can not resume until this has returned under 43.
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Earlier starts and extra drink breaks are being considered to enable Maitland cricket to go ahead as a top of 44 degrees is forecast for Saturday.
However, a blanket ban will be imposed if the Bureau of Meteorology forecast temperature for Saturday is 45 degrees or higher at 4pm on Friday.
Maitland and District Cricket Association secretary Josh Moxey said the bottom line was that games will be abandoned before anyone's health or safety is put at risk,
Moxey said games would be halted immediately when the "feels like" temperature hits 43 degrees.
"If it's forecast at 45 at 4pm on Friday, then our by laws dictate we blanket cancel Saturday's round," he said.
"Our number one priority as an association is the health and safety of all our players.
"We will not compromise that to enable a game of cricket to go ahead.
"The last thing we want is for someone to suffer heat exhaustion or worse just days from Christmas."
Moxey said with junior cricket finished for the year, games could be started in the morning or modified from 40 over to 20 overs fixtures.
"All games from second grade through to D-grade are one-day games now so with the OK of clubs we can start games earlier, reduce overs or increase drinks breaks," he said.
"First grade is slightly different as games started last week. We can modify conditions but we need to ensure that they are consistent."
In first grade fixtures on Saturday, Thornton are chasing Eastern Suburbs' total of 5/420, Western Suburbs resume on 0/115 against Raymond Terrace's 183, Tenambit Morpeth are 3/39 chasing Norths' 7/340 declared and Kurri Weston are 1/1 chasing City United's 313.
Under the Cricket NSW heat policy adopted by the Maitland association:
Cessation of play
Level 1 - The umpires or captains shall schedule additional drinks intervals in the event that the "feels like" temperature exceeds 37 degrees. Players and umpires may leave the field of play during this interval.
Level 2 - Play shall cease immediately in the event that the Weatherzone "feels like" temperature, at the location, reaches or exceeds 43.
Resumption of play - Play shall resume if the "feels like" temperature drops below 43 degrees or less. This will be the captains' and umpires' responsibility to make the call.
