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RISE UP, TAKE CHARGE & WIN

RISE UP, TAKE CHARGE & WIN

Weather

APSC WEATHER PROCEDURES

The purpose of this policy is to educate our coaches, athletes, referees, and parents in strategies to ensure that all of our activities are conducted in a manner that best ensures the safety of our participants, and provides a set of guidelines for program directors and coaches to follow when determining the appropriateness of hosting a practice or scrimmage game. In the event the weather alert (Red) all practices will be canceled.

For data purposes, the website www.accuweather.com will be used, entering the location as the zip code for the event/activity.

Weather Terms and Definitions:

Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasm due to heavy exertion and dehydration. Heat cramps usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs, and it is generally thought that dehydration is the cause.

Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid environment where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is life threatening. The victim’s temperature-control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Any heat stroke victim must be quickly cooled and referred for advanced medical attention.

Dehydration:

Effects of Dehydration:

Dehydration can affect an athlete’s performance in less than an hour of exercise—sooner if the athlete begins the session dehydrated
Dehydration of just 1%-2% of body weight (only 1.5-3 lbs. for a 150lb. athlete) can negatively influence performance
Dehydration of greater than 3% of body weight increases an athlete’s risk of heat illness (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
Warning Signs of Dehydration: Recognize the basic signs of dehydration - Thirst, Irritability, Headache, Weakness, Dizziness, Cramps, Nausea, Decreased performance

Fluid Guidelines:

Before exercise:
2-3 hours before exercise 17-20 oz. of water or a sports drink
10-20 minutes before exercise drink another 7-10 oz. of water or sports drink
During exercise Drink early—even minimal dehydration compromises performance
Drink every 10-20 minutes, at least 7-10 oz of water or sports drink.
To maintain hydration, remember to drink beyond your thirst.
Optimally, drink fluids based on amount of sweat and urine loss.
After exercise Within 2 hours, drink enough to replace any weight loss from exercise.Drink approximately 20-24 oz. of a sports drink per pound of weight loss.

Hot Weather

Hot Weather Practice Policy

Adapted from US Soccer Hot Weather Guidelines - Click HERE to view on the US Soccer website and to reference the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature chart (interaction between temperature and humidity) to determine which alert level (below) applies based on the forecasted temperature and humidity for your location at your time of practice.

Alert Level	Adjusted Temperature (WBGT)	Conditions	Work-to-Rest Recommendations
Black	92 or higher	Extreme	No outdoor training
Red	90.1 - 91.9	High Risk	Max of 1 hr training with 4 x 4-min breaks. No additional conditioning
Orange	87 - 90	Moderate Risk	Max of 2 hr training with 4x4-min breaks per hour or 10-min break every 30 mins
Yellow	82.2 - 87	Less that Ideal	3 separate 4-min breaks each hour or 12-min break every 40 mins
Green	82.1 or lower	Good	Normal activities, 3 x 3-min breaks each hour or a 10-min break every 40 mins

Cold Weather

Cold Weather Policy

Adapted from US Soccer Cold Weather Guidelines - Click HERE to view on the US Soccer website.

COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Dressing for the Cold

Dress appropriately when training or playing in cold weather. Do not overdress. Layering clothing in a specific way (see box) is recommended and very effective. The layers can be added or removed based on body temperature and changing environmental conditions, such as temperature and wind. Allow players to wear additional clothing, like gloves, sweatshirts, sweatpants and/or hats or headbands.

Stay Dry

Wet and damp conditions add to the risk of injury or illness during cold weather. Players, coaches and referees should recognize these factors and use additional caution to watch for potential cold injuries. If players do get wet during training or play, remove wet or saturated clothing and replace it with dry clothing. This becomes more important if the individual will remain out of play or anticipates standing around for a prolonged period of time. A hat, gloves and extra pair of socks can also keep extremities dry in case of snow or rain.

Stay Hydrated

Cold weather often reduces our ability to recognize that we are becoming dehydrated. If you are thirsty you have already become dehydrated. Try putting warm or hot water in a water bottle so that your water doesn’t freeze when training for extended amounts of time outside.

Pay attention to the wind chill temperature. Even prolonged exposure in relatively mild temperatures can lead to frostbite.

Lighting

Lighting Policy

Background: Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect interscholastic athletes. Within the United States, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) estimates more than 100 fatalities and 400-500 injuries requiring medical treatment occur from lighting strikes nearly every year.