Heat-related injuries and deaths are rising, and they are preventable. Risk factors include:
- Heat/humidity
- Poor player preparation
- Excessive exertion
- Poor hydration
- Lack of recovery time (same-day sessions)
- Player fitness
- Clinical risks (e.g., player illness or meds)
Possible actions to take:
- Increase fluid intake (be sure to include electrolytes and sodium)
- Modify activities for the team
- Allow time to acclimatize players
- Increase rest/recovery
- Increase monitoring
Be sure to be familiar with the information available on the U.S. Soccer website: ussoccer.com.