Soccer in Extreme Heat

WLYSC does not cancel soccer games due to extreme heat, but permits parents to make individual decisions on player participation.

The following recommendations are some key guidelines for soccer participation in the heat:

1.  Avoid dehydration and make sure to pre-hydrate

• 3 hours prior to the game, drink at least 16 oz or 500 ml of water as a series of sips over the next 60 minute period
• 2 hours prior to the game, drink at least 8 oz or 250 ml of water as a series of sips over the next 60 minutes
• During the game drink at least 4- 8 oz of water for every 20 minutes of play

2.  Water Breaks

Referees have been advised that a water break MUST be provided at the mid-point of each half of play, and that the half-time (water break) should be 10 minutes in duration (to allow for maximum water intake). They have also been advised that the water breaks are mandatory and cannot be removed by coach request.

3.  Heat Injury Indicators

Coaches, parents and players should be aware of the following list of indicators that players may be experiencing some level of “heat injury”:

• Flushed face
• Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tingling Arms
• Goose Bumps
• Chilliness
• Poor coordination
• Confusion, agitation or uncooperativeness

Finally, while players (other than the goalie) are not permitted to wear hats during the actual game, players who are sitting off should be actively encouraged to wear a hat or seek shade.