Brouhaha over brolly

CHRIS HILLOCK/Waikato Times

NO SUN FUN: Donna Schimanski was not allowed to use her in Seddon Park even though she has a history of melanoma.

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A Hamilton woman with a history of melanoma is angry she could not use an umbrella to shade herself at Tuesday's one-day international cricket match at Seddon Park.

The conditions of entry state that umbrellas are not allowed into the ground as they may obstruct the view of other spectators but Donna Schimanski said she intentionally sat at the top of the bank so as not to block anyone else's eyeline.

Northern Districts CEO David Cooper said he understood Miss Schimanski's situation but defended the rules and regulations at the ground.

"I know what she is saying and appreciate her situation but equally we're trying to make it a venue that works for the majority of people," he said.

Miss Schimanski suggested they could reserve the top of the bank for umbrella users on a first-come-first-served basis but Mr Cooper said this would still see people left out if they could not get to the game early enough.

Miss Schimanski emailed Mr Cooper earlier this week outlining her disappointment and described his response as "a bit of a wet blanket".

In his reply Mr Cooper said he was aware of the issues of melanoma and skin cancer, ensuring there were were messages over the PA system as well as big containers of sunscreen at major entry points to the ground.

Miss Schimanski said she did not see or hear any of these provisions and claimed there were other groups in the crowd who were allowed to keep their umbrellas up.

The 29-year-old said once she took her umbrella down it was very difficult to find any shade, something Mr Cooper acknowledged.

"It is an open stadium," he said. "The trees were replanted and are getting bigger but they won't protect the whole bank."

Miss Schimanski said the conditions of entry were not on the ticket and should be made more clear, but Mr Cooper said they were available through various websites and on information boards outside the ground.

"With many conditions of entry there are possible exceptions but they have to be set for the entire venue."

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