Heat Index Policy as Stated in the Stafford Soccer Operations Manual (revised 2/19) CLICK HERE for link to Ops Manual
H. Heat Index Policy
Purpose. Stafford Soccer’s primary goal is player safety. Stafford Soccer recognizes and is dedicated to educating its members about the health risks posed to athletes in hot weather situations. In order to promote player safety and recognition of heat related symptoms, Stafford Soccer has adopted the following Hot Weather Policy.
1. Hot Weather Information
a. Generally. Hot weather, especially on turf fields, can present a significant health risk to athletes when the body is unable to cool, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating. As body temperature increases, fatigue levels, cramps and the possibility of heat exhaustion or heat stroke also increase. The body is much less apt to be able to cool in hotter, more humid weather. The health risks associated with hot weather can present in weather with temperatures as low as 65 degrees if the relative humidity is 100%.
b. Heat Index. The Heat Index, sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature is given in degrees Fahrenheit. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.
c. Heat Cramps.
Symptoms:
i. Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen
ii. Heavy sweating
First Aid:
i. Move person to a cooler environment
ii. Remove or loosen clothing
iii. Apply cool, wet cloths
iv. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
v. Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
d. Heat Exhaustion.
Symptoms:
i. Heavy sweating
ii. Weakness
iii. Cool, pale, clammy skin
iv. Weak pulse
v. Possible muscle cramps
vi. Dizziness
vii. Nausea and vomiting
viii. Fainting
ix. Normal temperature possible
First Aid:
i. Move person to a cooler environment
ii. Remove or loosen clothing
iii. Apply cool, wet cloths
iv. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
v. Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
e. Heat Stroke.
Symptoms:
i. Altered mental state
ii. Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
iii. High body temperature (106°F or higher)
iv. Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating
v. Rapid pulse
vi. Possible unconsciousness
First Aid:
i. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
ii. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment
iii. Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging
iv. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s
v. Use extreme caution
vi. If temperature rises again, repeat process
vii. Do NOT give fluids
2. Practice and Policy
a. Education. Coaches should review this policy each season. The heat index chart will be posted online for reference along with this policy and the Heat Index Recommendations (below).
b. Practices. Coaches should take into account the heat index when planning practice sessions. During practices, coaches should consider the intensity of activities and offer additional breaks for rest and water. Coaches may cancel practices for extreme weather conditions but must notify the Fields Coordinator or Office of any decision to do so. Parents may elect not to allow players to participate, but should notify the coach of such decision.
c. Games. Games should be adjusted as the heat index rises. Coaches and referees should cooperate to offer water breaks or shorten the games. Water breaks can be added stoppages within a half, or the game might be divided into quarters instead of halves. Games can be shortened by reducing each half by up to ten minutes.
Heat Index Recommendation
Up to 90° Normal play.
91°-99° Add a two-minute water break per half with running time. Shorten each half by five minutes.
100°-105° Add a two-minute water break per half with running time. Shorten each half by ten minutes.
106°+ Suspend play.
d. Heat Index Recommendations. Club and team officials as well as tournament officials should monitor the heat index (by weather radio, online or the Weather Channel) and keep the participating teams and game officials informed of the heat index. Coaches are encouraged to also monitor the conditions. The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:
e. Parents are ultimately responsible for making the decision to allow players to participate or not in hot weather conditions. In the event a team is unable to play due to lack of players during a hot weather event, the game or activity may be removed from the schedule and shall not be required to be rescheduled.