and that this could be the most important step in eliminating chronic dehydration as a significant issue among kids who play soccer.
Key points from the guidelines include making sure youth players gradually adapt to increased exposure to high temperatures and humidity; recognize the signs of heat illness; and realize that thirst is not an accurate indication of fluid needs. To ensure these points are memorable for coaches, parents and kids, the U.S. Soccer Federation has developed the acronym - G.O.A.L. - which stands for:
- Get acclimated - bodies need time to gradually adapt to increased exposure to high temperatures and humidity (especially young athletes)
- On schedule drinking- Youth athletes should be encouraged to drink on a schedule before they become thirsty, and should drink before, during and after practice and games
- Always bring a sports drink- replacing electrolytes and providing energy is crucial to keeping kids safe and performing at their best
- Learn the signs - if someone becomes unusually fatigued, dizzy, and nauseous or has a headache during exercise in the heat, have them stop, rest and drink fluids
As one of the best means to preventing heat illness, The U.S. Soccer Federation recommends parents and coaches ensure children are well hydrated before practice and games. During activity, young athletes should drink on a schedule; because thirst is not an accurate indicator of fluid needs, athletes should drink before they become thirsty. The Federation plans to incorporate the Heat Illness and Hydration Guidelines into its already existing coaches' curriculum, reaching thousands of youth soccer coaches across the country.
About U.S. Soccer
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer is one of the world's first organizations to be affiliated with FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association, soccer's world governing body. As the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States, U.S. Soccer has helped chart the course for the sport in the USA for 88 years. In that time, the Federation's mission statement has been very simple and very clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a preeminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels.
To receive a copy of the new Youth Soccer Heat and Hydration Guidelines from US Soccer or for additional information about the U.S. Soccer Federation, please visit its Web site at www.ussoccer.com.
