Avoiding and Preventing Heat Related Injuries When Playing Soccer
Submitted By Admin on Wed 06 15, 22
With Ontario temperatures expected to hover around 30 C for
the next while, it's important to remind our athletes about heat related
injuries. Our club follows the
guidelines set forth by the London Middlesex Health Unit, Canada Soccer, as
well as Ontario Soccer.
If Soccer Games are to be cancelled it will be a joint decision by the leagues in which we operate as well as the Health Unit. Practices will remain to be the Coaches & Parents decision.
Extreme heat can impact players' health and safe play. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke. Players should drink water before, during and after a game or practice, which means coaches should make sure there is adequate water available, as well Coaches should keep there practices light with not a lot of high tempo activities.
There are some simple guidelines which have been prepared by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) when it comes to running activities in a hot and/or humid environment.
The goal in participating in hot weather is to avoid fluid loss from the body or dehydration.
Educating athletes, coaches and officials is key to identifying and preventing these injuries from occurring.
From Ontario Soccer - Read about preventing heat related injuries
