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Health and Safety

The health and safety of our players is of the utmost importance to Virginia Rush. Raising awareness of the prevention and proper treatment of sports injuries is the start to creating a safer environment for our children. We encourage all parents, legal guardians, players and coaches to read the information in the following sections to educate themselves and better understand important Health & Safety issues.

Safety is a Rush Core Value . The Virginia Rush Health & Safety Program is designed to provide education and be a resource to the community at large while creating and providing a healthy & safe environment for all players.

It is important for athletes, parents, legal guardians and coaches to openly and frequently communicate health issues with each other. In many cases, there will be a need to obtain treatment from a licensed medical professional to resolve injuries before returning to sports related activities.

Virginia Rush is providing this health & safety information to our club members in the interest of improving player health & safety. The material is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.

COVID

Concussion Information

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

CONCUSSIONS ARE SERIOUS

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

CONCUSSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury.

CONCUSSION SIGNS OBSERVED

Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
Appears dazed or stunned.
Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
Moves clumsily.
Answers questions slowly.
Loses consciousness (even briefly).
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS REPORTED

Headache or “pressure” in head.
Nausea or vomiting.
Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
Bothered by light or noise.
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your child or teen might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later your child might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt.

You should continue to check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen’s concussion signs or symptoms get worse, you should take him or her to the emergency department right away.

CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS

In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that may squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 right away, or take your child or teen to the emergency department if he or she has one or more of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:

DANGEROUS SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION

One pupil larger than the other.
Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).
Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

DANGEROUS SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS

Any of the signs and symptoms listed in the Danger Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion list.
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
Will not nurse or eat.

RECOVERY FROM CONCUSSION

Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain heal. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while he or she is recovering from a concussion. Physical activities or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to come back or get worse. After a concussion, physical and cognitive activities—such as concentration and learning—should be carefully watched by a medical provider. As the days go by, your child or teen can expect to slowly feel better.

RECOVERY TIPS

Parents can help their child or teen feel better by being active in their recovery:

REST IS KEY TO HELP THE BRAIN HEAL

Have your child or teen get plenty of rest. Keep a regular sleep routine, including no late nights and no sleepovers.
Make sure your child or teen avoids high-risk/high-speed activities that could result in another bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, such as riding a bicycle, playing sports, climbing playground equipment, and riding roller coasters . Children and teens should not return to these types of activities until their medical provider says they are well enough.
Share information about concussion with siblings, teachers, counselors, babysitters, coaches, and others who spend time with your child or teen. This can help them understand what has happened and how to help.

RETURN SLOWLY TO ACTIVITIES

When your child’s or teen’s medical provider says they are well enough, make sure they return to their normal activities slowly, not all at once.
Talk with their medical provider about when your child or teen should return to school and other activities and how you can help him or her deal with any challenges during their recovery. For example, your child may need to spend less time at school, rest often, or be given more time to take tests.
Ask your child’s or teen’s medical provider when he or she can safely drive a car or ride a bike.

TALK TO A MEDICAL PROVIDER ABOUT CONCERNS

Give your child or teen only medications that are approved by their medical provider.
If your child or teen already had a medical condition at the time of their concussion (such as ADHD or chronic headaches), it may take longer for them to recover from a concussion. Anxiety and depression may also make it harder to adjust to the symptoms of a concussion.

POST-CONCUSSIVE SYNDROME

While most children and teens with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, some will have symptoms for months or longer. Talk with your children’s or teens’ health care provider if their concussion symptoms do not go away or if they get worse after they return to their regular activities.

If your child or teen has concussion symptoms that last weeks to months after the injury, their medical provider may talk to you about post-concussive syndrome. While rare after only one concussion, post-concussive syndrome is believed to occur most commonly in patients with a history of multiple concussions.

There are many people who can help you and your family as your child or teen recovers. You do not have to do it alone. Keep talking with your medical provider, family members, and loved ones about how your child or teen is feeling. If you do not think he or she is getting better, tell your medical provider.

Lightning Policy

Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside, at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren’t worth death or crippling injury.

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.
Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter.
You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.
Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects.
Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety!
Blue Skies and Lightning. Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky.

THE SINGLE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE

Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark clouds are observed, quickly move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until well after the lightning storm ends. Listen to forecasts and warnings through NOAA Weather Radio or your local TV and radio stations. If lightning is forecast, plan an alternate activity or know where you can take cover quickly.

The U.S. lightning season is summer but lightning can strike year round! The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning. In summer, more people are outside, on the beach, golf course, mountains or ball fields. Outdoor jobs such as construction and agriculture, and outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak, putting those involved in danger.

SAFETY RULES

Postpone activities promptly. Don’t wait for rain. Many people take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by lightning are not in the rain! Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building, not a carport, open garage or covered patio. If no enclosed building is convenient, get inside a hard-topped all-metal vehicle. A cave is a good option outside but move as far as possible from the cave entrance.
Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. In the mountains if you are above tree line, you ARE the highest object around. Quickly get below tree line and get into a grove of small trees. Don’t be the second tallest object during a lightning storm! Crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching thunderstorm.
Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, go to a safe shelter immediately.
If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming or your hair stands on end, immediately suspend your game or practice and instruct everyone to go inside a sturdy building or car. Sturdy buildings are the safest place to be. Avoid sheds, picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, and bleachers. If no sturdy building is nearby, a hard-top vehicle with windows closed will offer some protection. The steel frame of the vehicle provides some protection if you are not touching metal.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio. Coaches and other leaders should listen for a tone-alert feature during practice sessions and games.
If you can’t get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.
Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
Get out of the water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Stay off the beach and out of small boats or canoes. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are NOT safe. Lightning can strike the water and travel some distance beneath and away from its point of contact. Don’t stand in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
Avoid metal! Drop metal backpacks, stay away from clothes lines, fences, exposed sheds and electrically conductive elevated objects. Don’t hold on to metal items such golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Large metal objects can conduct lightning. Small metal objects can cause burns.
Move away from a group of people. Stay several yards away from other people. Don’t share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:

Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or your local ambulance service. Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
Give first aid. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, address any other injuries.
Check for burns in two places. The injured person has received an electric shock and may be burned. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge that can shock other people. You can examine them without risk.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE STORM

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local media for the latest severe thunderstorm WATCHES and WARNINGS. Severe thunderstorms are those storms with winds in excess of 58 mph or hail larger than 3/4 inches in diameter. When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a severe thunderstorm WATCH is issued.

Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, satellite, lightning detection, spotters, and other sources to issue severe thunderstorm WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent. Remember, however, that ALL thunderstorms produce deadly lightning.

For more information visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

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Kidsafe

Virginia Rush, as a member of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, conducts background checks of all adult individuals serving the club in all programs in accordance with the KidSafe/Risk Management Background Check Policy available by clicking the link above.

Virginia Rush recommends parents follow the Youngster Safety Check Recommendations and read MANAGING THE ULTIMATE RISK….. valuable information concerning the sexual exploitation of children published by US Youth Soccer based upon workshop presentation presented by Fran Sepler of Sepler & Associates. Click Managing the Ultimate Risk above to access the document.

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RISK TO CHILDREN IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS

Criminal record checks are important, but they are not enough to keep kids safe.
Criminal background checks offer a SECOND line of protection. This does not replace an observant parent.
Most sexual predators have no criminal history.
Offenders see opportunity where sports success is considered all-important.

YOUNGSTER SAFETY CHECK RECOMMENDATIONS

No single check source guarantees the safety and well-being of our soccer youngsters. A protective eye is a must to ensure the safety of our youngsters. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in Alexandria has recommendations that will help VYSA and VYSA members prevent sexual exploitation of our youngsters. Following are those recommendations adapted to soccer.

Know where our youngsters are when they are participating in our soccer activities.
Be sensitive to changes in a youngster’s behavior; they are a signal that you should talk about what caused the changes.
Be alert to a teenager or adult who is paying an unusual amount of attention to a youngster or giving them inappropriate or expensive gifts.
Teach our youngsters to trust their own feelings and assure them that they have the right to say no to what they sense is wrong.
Listen carefully to our youngsters’ fears and be supportive in all your discussions with them.
Teach youngsters that no one should approach them or touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If someone does, they should tell their parents immediately.
Be careful about babysitters and other individuals who have custody of our youngsters.
A coach or other adult should never be alone with a youngster.There should always be other people present to see what the adult and youngster are doing.
Never leave a youngster alone after a game or practice or other activity.

Coaches Code of Conduct

Coaches are key to establishing and upholding the ethics in soccer. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behavior of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions have ethical implications.
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs”attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, political belief or economic status.
Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations. Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
Coaches must direct comments or criticism at performance rather than the athlete.
Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
Coaches must ensure that the activities they institute are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
Coaches must abstain from the use of tobacco products and alcohol while in the presence of athletes.
Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
Coaches must consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.
Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Coaches must regularly seek ways if increasing professional development and continuing coaching education.
Professional Ethics govern personal conduct, professionalism confidentiality and conflicts of interest, and coaches are required to adhere to ethical standards as follows:
Coaches will not knowingly make any public statement that is untrue or misleading about what they offer as a coach, or make false claims in any written documents relating to the coaching profession or their credentials.
Coaches will, at all times, strive to recognize personal issues that may impair, conflict, or interfere with the coaching performance or their professional coaching relationships. Whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate, coaches will promptly seek professional assistance and determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate any coaching relationship(s).
Coaches will seek to avoid conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest and openly disclose any such conflicts. Coaches will offer to remove myself when such a conflict arises.
Coaches will not knowingly take any personal, professional, or monetary advantage or benefit of the coach-player or coach-parent relationship.
Coaches will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any physical contact they may have with players, sponsors, or parents.
Coaches will not become sexually intimate with any players, sponsors, or parents legally married.
As professional coaches we do not break the law for our players, sponsors or parents. We do not act as accomplices to any illegal activity.
We treat our colleagues, competitors, and the coaching profession with honor and respect.
OTHER (NON-COACHING) STAFF: Amorous relationships between juvenile players, coaches, and non-coaching staff are prohibited when the coach or staff member has supervisory control or authority over that player and/or coaches or non-coaching staff and parents of players. For that reason, any amorous relationship between any player and a coach or staff member with supervisory control or authority over that player is prohibited. Any amorous relationship between a coach or non-coaching staff member and a single parent (not legally married) must be disclosed to the Executive Director for program compliance as possible requirement of recusal and reassignment to eliminate any supervisory control or authority over the player or their parent.
Violations of the Code of Conduct: Disciplinary actions for violation of the Code of Conduct may include counseling in the form of discussion with the coach or staff member with their Director or Supervisor, or corrective actions, or termination.

Goal Safety

The Virginia Rush (VAR) implements the Goal Safety Policy to educate and instruct anyone involved with soccer goals of the potential dangers posed by soccer goals and ways to ensure safe operations around goals. The use of the term “goals” in this document refers to metal framed soccer goals, typically with dimensions ranging from 6 x 18 yards to 8 x 24yards. Such goals may be anchored in place in the ground or they may be moveable. This policy excludes small “pop up” goals like PUGG goals (usually 4 to 6 feet wide flexible frame goals).

NOTICE TO PARENTS, PLAYERS, COACHES AND SPECTATORS

One of our primary objectives is that children have safe recreation areas. To that end, soccer goals should remain securely anchored to the ground and nets firmly attached to the goals.

In an effort to keep the goals and nets secure and children safe, you are required to advise your children/soccer players and any other person accompanying you for whom you are responsible that the following is strictly prohibited: moving any soccer goals and any use of a soccer goal that is inconsistent with soccer-related activity, including without limitation, playing, climbing, or hanging on any part of the soccer goal. This especially applies to children climbing on or hanging from nets or goal frames.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these activities can result in serious injury, including death. If you observe any child inappropriately using a soccer goal or net, immediately and politely ask the child to stop. If the activity continues, please notify a coach or referee as soon as possible. Players violating this rule may be forced to sit out, at the coach’s discretion. Finally, if you see any soccer goal that is not anchored down or otherwise secure, please contact the VAR as soon as possible and let them know.

MOVEMENT OF SOCCER GOALS

GOAL MOVEMENT

VAR players shall not move soccer goals. All goals used by VAR shall be anchored or secured in some fashion so that they are less susceptible to tipping over. If goals are not properly anchored please contact VAR immediately and under no circumstances should that goal be used until secured.

GOAL STORAGE – PERMITTED SCHOOL GROUNDS & CITY PARKS

VAR owned goals on school grounds or city parks property are to follow the goal storage guidelines below. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports most accidents occurred when the goal was unattended. When goals are not being used, VAR staff shall remove and VAR owned goals at the end of each recreation season for storage and take appropriate steps to secure goals such as:

Placing the goal frames face to face and securing them at each goalpost with a lock and chain
Locking and chaining to a suitable fixed structure such as a permanent fence
Locking unused portable goals in a secure storage room after each use
Fully disassembling the goals for seasonal storage
Removing the nets
Inspect goals and nets prior to storage for damage or needed replacement.
Maintain safety warning labels on goal posts and crossbar.

CONCLUSION & SAFETY TIPS

From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

Securely anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at ALL times.
Anchor or chain one goal to another, to itself in a folded down position, or to nearby fence posts, or any other similar sturdy fixture when not in use. If this is not practical, store movable soccer goals in a place where children cannot have access to them.
Remove nets when goals are not in use.
Check for structural integrity and proper connecting hardware before every use. Replace damaged or missing parts or fasteners immediately.
NEVER allow anyone to climb on the net or goal framework.
Ensure safety/warning labels are clearly visible (placed under the crossbar and on the sides of the down-posts at eye level).
Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.
Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals and allow adequate manpower to move goals of varied sizes and weights. Movable soccer goals shall only be moved by authorized and trained personnel.

EDUCATION PARENTS & COACHES

VAR will hold a coaches educational seminar (in one or several sessions) each year on Goal Safety protocol with a target date for the seminar at the start of the fall season.
It will be mandatory for all competitive coaches, Directors of Coaching and technical staff to attend the seminar. Any exceptions to attendance shall be approved by the VAR Executive Director.
Recreational, Advanced, & School of Excellence coach’s seminar shall be held each season in the preseason coach’s meeting.
VAR will provide educational information via website, email, registration systems, team distributions, workshop for parents.

Heat Illness

EXERTION HEAT ILLNESS

Spectrum of conditions ranging from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to a potentially life threatening condition called exertion heat stroke (EHS)
The ability to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat illness (including headache, nausea, and dizziness) allows for proper treatment with hydration and more rapid cooling of the body.
Exertion heat stroke has two key components:
- Altered mental status (confusion, irritability, aggressive behavior, dizziness, or collapse)
- A rectal temperature > 104°F

PREVENTION

Develop and implement a heat policy (heat acclimatization guidelines, activity modification guidelines based on environmental conditions, and management of heat-related illness) as part of your emergency action plan (EAP)
Frequently monitor environmental conditions using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) device or Heat Index and make practice modifications (e.g., increase in the number and duration of hydration breaks, shortening practice, postponing practice/competition until cooler parts of the day)
Follow heat acclimatization guidelines (below) during preseason practices and conditioning
Ensure appropriate hydration policies are in place with athletes having unlimited access to water during practice and competition, especially in warm climates.
Educate staff on the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and early management
Consider an on-site health care provider such as an athletic trainer be onsite for all practices and competitions.

RESOURCES/EQUIPMENT

WBGT monitor
Hydration capabilities- water bottles, coolers, hoses, etc.
National Weather Service
Phone App for WBGT – WeatherFX (Available On AppStore And Google Play Marketplace)
Ice
Ice immersion tub or kiddie pools
Towels and cooler
Tent or other artificial shade if none available

MANAGEMENT

HEAT ILLNESS (HEAT EXHAUSTION, HEAT CRAMPS)

Remove from training and source of heat
Cool in a shaded area using ice towels
Provide access to fluids/electrolytes and encourage rehydration

EXERTION HEAT STROKE

Is a medical emergency
Immediately call EMS (911) and prepare hospital for heat related emergency
Athlete may have confusion or altered mental status and a rectal temperature>104°F
Remove excess clothing/equipment and immediately begin cooling the athlete by placing them in an ice-water-tub
If no tub is present, rotate cold wet ice towels (every 2-3 minutes over the entire surface of the body or as much as possible

ACCLIMATIZATION

Acclimatization is the body’s natural adaptation to exercising in the heat
This process typically takes 10-14 days
The protocol should require a gradual graded progression of exercise in the heat.This typically applies at the start of pre-season (summer months) where athletes are beginning fitness training and progressive training exposure in heat is recommended

GUIDE FOR ACCLIMATIZATION

Avoid the hottest part of the day for training sessions (11am-4pm)

Days 1-5

One formal practice a day
Maximum 3 hours of training time (this includes warm up, stretches and cool down)

Days 6-14

Double practice days can begin on day 6 and not exceed 5 hours in total practice time between the two practices
There should be a minimum of a 3 hours rest period between each training session during double practice days. The 3 hour rest period should take place in a cool environment to allow the body to fully recover
Each double practice day should be followed by a single practice day in which practice time on single practice days not exceeding 3 hours
Athletes should receive one day rest following 6 days continuous practice

WBGT (HEAT STRESS MONITORING) & REGION SPECIFIC GUIDELINES/HEAT INDEX

Recommend using WBGT on-site at time of training and check as often as possible.
If on-site WBGT measures are not available, on-site measures of temperature and humidity can be used to predict WBGT using the chart below. (NOTE: Heat Index is not ideal because it doesn’t factor the heat from the sun).
If no on-site temperature measures are available, use temperature and humidity from local weather station measures and use the chart below to predict WBGT.

Step 1: Find the WBGT

Measure the temperature and humidity at your site
Find the estimated WBGT corresponding below.

Step 2: Find your Regional Category

Determine which region category you are in based on the map below, to determine which WBGT guidelines in the table you should follow.

Step 3: Determine Your Conditions, Alert Level, and Recommendations

Determine which region category you are in based on the map above, to determine which WBGT guidelines in the table you should follow.

Cancelation of Training

Depending on your region category, recommend cancelation of training or delay until cooler when WBGT for Cat 1 >86.2°F; for Cat 2 >89.9°F; Cat 3 >92.0°F

Step 4: Determine the Work to Rest Ratios – Modifications in Training

Alert Level Green – Normal Activities, provide 3 separate 3 minute breaks each hour of training, or a 10 minute break every 40 minutes.
Alert Level Yellow – Use discretion, provide 3 separate 4 minute breaks each hour, or a 12 minute break every 40 minutes of continuous training
Alert Level Orange – Maximum 2 hours of training time with 4 separate 4 minute breaks each hour, or a 10 minute break after 30 minutes of continuous training
Alert Level Red – Maximum of 1 hour of training with 4 separate 4 minute breaks within the hour. No additional conditioning allowed.
Alert Level Black – No outdoor training, delay training until cooler or cancel

Match Play Hydration Breaks

WBGT of 89.6°F
Provide hydration breaks of 4 minutes for each 30 minutes of continuous play (i.e., minute 30 and 75 of 90 minute match)

Communication

Provide adequate communication of environmental conditions, cooling modalities and other resources to players and staff including
- Planned breaks for hydration
- Duration and time of training
- During warmer conditions, plan ahead for matches and trainings
Ensure unlimited access to water and other fluids

FOLLOW YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

This guideline was developed by U.S. Soccer’s Sports Medicine Department in collaboration with the Korey Stringer Institute