Staying Safe in the Heat
Soccer is often played in high temperatures, so hydration is critical.
Players should bring their own water bottles and drink every 15 minutes in hot weather.
Coaches should schedule regular water breaks and encourage rest in shaded areas.
Bringing cold towels, ice, or a cooler helps lower body temperature during play.
1. Heat Cramps
Cause: Loss of water and salt through sweat.
Symptoms: Painful muscle spasms (especially legs or abdomen).
What to do:
2. Heat Exhaustion
Cause: High humidity or tight clothing prevents sweat from evaporating.
Symptoms: Cool, moist skin; heavy sweating; nausea; dizziness; headache; or muscle cramps.
What to do:
Move to shade and elevate feet.
Remove shoes, socks, and shin guards.
Apply cold packs to armpits and scalp, or cool with wet cloths and fanning.
Offer water or an electrolyte drink.
If parents are present, remove the shirt and apply cold packs to the groin area.
3. Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)
Cause: Body overheats and can’t cool itself.
Symptoms: Hot, dry skin (red or gray tone), very fast pulse, confusion, unresponsiveness, or seizures.
What to do:
Call 911 immediately.
Do not give water or any fluids.
Cool the player following heat‑exhaustion methods until help arrives.
Notify parents at once.
Act quickly — brain damage or fatality can occur if temperature stays high too long.
4. Dehydration
Cause: Fluid loss exceeding intake, especially with sweating.
Symptoms: Dry mouth, extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, or in children, no tears and sunken eyes.
What to do:
Key Prevention Tips
Begin practices early or late in the day to avoid peak heat.
Remind players to drink water before, during, and after activity.
Watch closely for early signs of fatigue or heat distress.
Always have a cooling plan — shade tents, ice packs, and first‑aid on hand.