AYSO Ojai Region 147 Hot Weather Policy
Living in Ojai, we frequently experience days of extreme heat conditions. When temperatures rise above normal levels, the potential for risks increase and we worry about our kids during periods of intense exercise. Keeping our kids safe while they enjoy AYSO Ojai Soccer is our number 1 priority.
In preparation for this games or practices to be conducted under Hot Weather conditions, we encourage you to hydrate your children in advance. Proper and continued hydration of players and volunteers is essential starting at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled activity. Please monitor temperature in the coming days and consider if you are able to hold a practice or not. Don't be shy to cancel your practice as coaches are not allowed to single out or punish players for missing practice. Please cancel if temperatures are expected to be still above 98F by the time your practice starts. We expect our coaches to put the kids safety and well being first instead of putting them at risk in a Hot Weather situation. If you feel you can practice (if your practice is later in the day), choose less demanding ball skill drills and no high energy conditioning. Include a lot of water breaks and keep it short and fun. The final decision about Saturday games will be made closer to the weekend. Coaches, please keep your parents up to date and remind them of early starting hydration as preparation for the heat. During practice, coaches should be stopping every 15 min or more frequently as needed to allow players to hydrate.
In the event we elect to cancel games, we will notify all players via email as well as coaches who will do their best to reach you via text.
Below are the Heat Safety policies we plan to operate within. These guidelines are consistent with surrounding Southern California AYSO regions of a similar meteorological makeup.
As always, as your child’s parent/caregiver, you are the ultimate decision maker if you allow your child to participate in an activity or not. In the event you decide it's too hot for your child to play, please do NOTIFY your coach as soon as possible so that he/she can plan accordingly. There will never be negative repercussions for you or your child if you choose to NOT play due to excessive heat, but again please let the team know!
All players and coaches should bring an ample supply of water. Bringing a cooler with cold, wet towels and ice is a great idea too. Please plan for this weekend and keep a close eye on the health of your kids.
Below is reference information describing signs for heat related illnesses in players:
Heat Cramps: Heat cramps happen when a body loses too much water and salt through sweat, muscles tend to cramp (particularly in the abdomen and legs). Players suffering from these painful "heat cramps" should rest in a shady spot and sip one glass of cool water every 15 minutes until the pain relents. If the player's parents are on hand, have them help by massaging the affected muscles and applying cool, wet cloths to help relax the muscles.
Heat Exhaustion: This condition often occurs when there is high humidity or the player is wearing restrictive clothing. Sweat can not properly evaporate which means the body cannot cool down efficiently. Players with cool, moist, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle cramps may be experiencing heat exhaustion. To assist a player experiencing heat exhaustion, have the player lie down in a shady spot and elevate his or her feet. Remove the player's shoes, shin guards, and socks. Apply cold packs to the armpit and scalp areas. Have the player drink water or an electrolyte solution. Dampen the player's skin with cool cloths. Fan the player to help evaporate excess sweat. If the player's parents are on hand, have them remove the player's shirt and apply cold packs to the groin area.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke happens when a body completely loses the ability to cool itself and the internal temperature continues to rise resulting in heat stroke. If a player's temperature rises too quickly, brain damage and/or death may result. Players suffering from heat stroke may have hot, dry skin -- those with fair complexions may appear red, while darker-skinned individuals may appear gray. Victims may also experience a very rapid pulse and extremely high body temperature. In some cases, victims of heat stroke may seem confused, unresponsive, or even suffer from seizures. Recovery from heat stroke depends on the amount of time it takes to return the body temperature to normal, so immediate medical attention is imperative. If you suspect that a player is suffering from heat stroke Call 911 immediately. Follow the recommended treatment for heat exhaustion. DO NOT attempt to give any liquids. Contact the player's parents.
Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and fluids to carry out its normal functions. You lose water when you sweat. The amount of sweat a person loses is increased in hot and humid weather. The most effective way to treat a player with dehydration is to begin replacing fluids. The type of treatment needed for someone experiencing dehydration depends on the severity. Some players may just need extra water breaks or to be offered sports drinks to help replace the electrolytes they have lost. Others may require a more severe treatment such as a hospital trip with fluids given intravenously. Symptoms of dehydration may include Dry mouth and tongue, No tears when crying, Sunken eyes and cheeks, Listlessness or irritability, Extreme thirst, Fatigue, Dizziness and Confusion.