Extreme Heat

Heat injuries can be one of the most common injuries to occur in youth soccer players and volunteers, with risks ranging from dehydration, to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, to a heat stroke, all of which present with different symptoms.  Proper hydration is essential to help combat these injuries from occurring and it is essential that hydration starts 24 hours in advance of the event.  Proper water intake in advance of and during events helps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for players, volunteers, as well as spectators.

Additional information about heat-related injuries and illnesses, including signs & symptoms as well as what to do, is available at the CDC Website.

Parents: Always ensure your player(s) bring a water container of their own to all practices and games.

Sunscreen is also a vital tool in helping to avoid heat injuries and sunburn.  Even if you believe that you will be outside for short periods of time, players, volunteers and others should apply the appropriate strength sunscreen prior to attending an event.

Shortening/Cancellation of  Region 42 Practices and Games

Practices for all Divisions (7U - 19U)

• When the temperature or the heat index ("Feels Like") reaches 95ºF, coaches shall shorten practices and encourage increased water intake.
• When the temperature reaches 98°F, or when weather conditions may not be healthy for younger players, practices shall be cancelled.
• Parents may choose to have their player(s) not attend practices at their own discretion.  (Please notify your coach in advance.)
• Coaches may choose to cancel practices at lower temperature and at their own discretion.
• The Region Safety Director will monitor weather conditions and send out practice/game cancelation notifications if needed.

5U - 10U Games at Pepper Tree Playfields:

• When the temperature or the heat index (“Feels Like”) reaches 95°F, Referees & Coaches shall shorten quarters and provide longer water breaks.
• When the temperature reaches 98°F, or when the weather condition may not be healthy for younger players, games shall be cancelled or abandoned.
• Remind players that they are allowed to come to the touchline for water at anytime during the match; there does not have to be a stoppage in play. (They may not leave the field though.) Goal keepers are allowed to keep a water bottle next to their net for hydration.
• The Region Safety Director and other Board Members will monitor weather conditions and make a determination to cancel games if needed.

12U to 14U Games at Dos Vientos Community Park:

• When the temperature or the heat index (“Feels Like”) reaches 95°F, Referees & Coaches shall shorten quarters and provide more water break.
• When the temperature reaches 104°F, or when the weather condition may not be healthy for players, games shall be cancelled or abandoned.
• Remind players that they are allowed to come to the touchline for water at anytime during the match; there does not have to be a stoppage in play. (They may not leave the field though.) Goal keepers are allowed to keep a water bottle next to their net for hydration.
• The Region Safety Director and other Board Members will monitor weather conditions and make a determination to cancel games if needed.

If a determination is made to cancel practices or games, the Region 42 Safety Director will send an email to all accounts in the region once the determination has been made.  The information will also be posted to the Region 42 social media accounts.

If games are cancelled, every effort will be made to reschedule 5U - 14U games on November 16th.

For U14 Away Games, 16U/19U Divisions and/or Area 10E events:
Weather Policy shall be covered under Area 10E Rules and Regulations. Region 42 does not set a standard policy for these games/events.

AYSO National Recommendations:
AYSO Severe Weather Play Policy and Guidelines

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