We can almost guarantee that there will be a few hot, high temperature game days. Here are a few tips to help you and your team stay safe.
- Sunscreen before Games, Re-apply if necessary! Sunscreen should be sweat proof to avoid getting it in the eyes during the game.
- Keep your players hydrated.
- If you can, bring shade.
- Cool wet towels are a good way of cooling down.
If you are concerned about a player suffering a heat related illness, please contact the referee, board member or notify the coach. Some things to look out for if you have a concern about a player:
Heat cramps: It is the mildest form of heat illness, and it usually occurs before or after exercise affecting only the specific muscles used. No medical attention is required.
Symptoms- thirst, chills, clammy skin, throbbing heart, muscle spasms, and nausea
Treatment- First, move the child to the shade and remove excess clothing. Have child drink 4-8 ounces of water or sports drink.
Heat Exhaustion: More serious than heat cramps and may need medical attention. This results from a reduced blood volume due to excessive sweating, which causes the blood to pool in the arms and legs, causing the child to feel dizzy or faint.
Symptoms- Nausea, extreme fatigue, reduced sweating, headache, shortness of breath, weak and rapid pulse, dry mouth.
Treatment- Move the child to a cool place. Have the child drink slowly 16 ounces of fluid such as water or sports drink for every pound of weight lost. Remove sweaty clothes and place ice/ice pack behind the child's head. Seek medical attention if there is NO improvement.
Heat Stroke: If a child is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a life threatening illness where the body's temperature/regulating process stops functioning.
Symptoms- Sweating, hot and dry skin, swollen tongue, visual disturbances, rapid pulse, unsteady gait, fainting, low blood pressure, vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, shock.
Treatment- Call 911 and remove sweaty clothes. Cover child with ice packs, immerse child in cold water if possible or rub with alcohol. If the child is in shock, elevate feet.
2012 Team Parent Handbook
