[ayso45-coaches] Alert: Heat this weekend

[Beau James]

Have fun, but let's be careful out there ...

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    *From:* ay2aboard at yahoogroups.com [mailto:ay2aboard at yahoogroups.com]
    *On Behalf Of *Randy Harr
    *Sent:* Friday, September 05, 2008 9:31 AM
    *Subject:*  Have a Safe, Fair and Fun opening weekend in the heat

    All,

    Ouch.  Only getting hotter this weekend and expected to peak at 95
    in Area 2A.  Especially on turf fields (that do not evaporate like
    grass fields), the temperature can be higher out in the middle of a
    sun-drenched field. 

    Please work as a parent team (coaches, referees) to make sure the
    kids are adequately hydrated and not getting overheated.  Take short
    stoppages if needed to let the kids reach some shade.  Let them
    leave the field with permission to seek shade and shelter if
    needed.  Shorten the halves (equally) to lessen the game, exertion
    level, and potential for exhaustion in the heat.  Coaches, it is the
    referee's responsibility to make the whole situation Safe, Fair and
    Fun.  Work as a team within their ultimate authority  to do what is
    right.  Work as a team while still trying to have a Safe, Fair and
    Fun time for the kids on their opening weekend that they have so
    looked forward too.

    And please keep the morning games on time so the afternoon games, in
    the peak heat of the day, can be started on time when the kids arrive.

    More information about signs of heat exhaustion and stroke are in
    the Coach Safe Haven material in the "Guidance for Referees and
    Coaches" book.  See page 47 of the 2008 edition at the top left
    corner for the following:
    (http://www.aysohelp.org/referee/Manuals/AYSO_Manuals/2008/Guidance_2008.pdf)
     
    Heat Exhaustion

        * Feels cool, clammy and damp to the touch.
        * Move to shade.
        * Give cool liquids.
        * Apply cool cloth to skin.
        * Recline with feet up.

    Heat Stroke

        * Dangerous! Get professional medical help immediately. Call 911.
        * Feels hot and dry to the touch.
        * Move to shade.
        * Douse with cool water.

    And Coaches, look for these conditions in your parent referees --
    many who may be out there for the first time.  Make sure to take
    extra ice and water to the field.  A common suggestion that has
    always worked well is water frozen in paper cups.  You can peal back
    the paper to expose the end of the ice and apply it to a bruise,
    forehead or similar.

    Games can be rescheduled or filled in with later practices or
    games.  But damage to our health can be permanent and life
    altering.  As responsible parents, lets err on the side of Safety
    always.

    Have a safe, fun and fair opening weekend,
    Randy
    __._,_.___
    .

    __,_._,___ 

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