The Florida Youth Soccer Association has a responsibility to the players within our association to make sure they are playing in a safe environment.  One of the dynamics of our state is that it’s a hot and humid climate.  Our climate can create a dangerous situation for heat illnesses (i.e. heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke).  Based on our situation, we must ensure that our players are properly acclimated, hydrated, and, after the match, re-hydrated in order to make sure that our players are able to function in the environment that is Florida soccer.

There are steps that we as coaches and administrators must take to ensure proper hydration of our players, which is crucial in making sure our players are fully prepared to play.  FYSA athletic trainers feel that most players today do not properly hydrate themselves prior to play.

Players need to hydrate themselves throughout the day:

• Two to three hours prior to participation, players should drink 16 oz. (2 cups) of fluids.
• Ten minutes prior to activity the players should drink 8oz. (1 cup) of fluids.
• Fluids can be water or sports drinks.

The reason for proper hydration prior to the activity is to allow for absorption into the players’ systems. During the match, players need to replace the fluids that are lost during the activity.  Rehydration should occur after the activity.  It typically takes four to six hours after the activity for players to rehydrate themselves.  Leagues and tournaments need to take this into account when scheduling games.

The current FYSA policy has taken into account the needs for soccer as well as the need for the safety of our players.  Water breaks will be mandatory when the heat index is higher than 85 degrees.  Heat Index is a better gauge for possible heat illnesses than temperature or humidity alone.  The heat index can be found on most weather websites and in your local newspapers.

Special considerations need to be made for players U12 and below, because their physiology causes them to absorb more heat and dissipate this heat less efficiently than adults.  This is why players U12 and below should have more water breaks regardless of the heat index.

Coaches, administrators, referees, parents, and players need to educate themselves about proper hydration and heat illness.  This is important not only to the players' performance but also their safety.  The FYSA coaching education program reviews these fundamentals, and clubs and referees should also provide training for their membership.

The FYSA water break policy and more information about proper hydration and heat illness can be found at our FYSA website at www.fysa.com.