Health & Safety
ENVIORMENTAL CONDITIONS
Environmental conditions can significantly impact player health and safety. Extreme temperatures, severe weather and the integrity of the playing field and its equipment all impact players’ ability to practice and compete safely. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field.
EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat can impact players' health and safe play. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke. Players should drink water before, during and after a game or practice, which means coaches should make sure there is adequate water available. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field.
RECOGNIZE
Thirst is a warning that your body is already in an early stage of dehydration. Drink when you are thirsty. Recognizing the signs of dehydration are important because the amount of water required will vary from player to player.
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Fever
In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
RECOVER
- Add hydration breaks
- Shorten practice
- Practice early or late in the day when temperatures are lower
- Use less-strenuous training activities during practice
U.S. Soccer Heat Guidelines
Heat Guidelines Contributors: Korey Stringer Institute and Dr. George Chiampas
U.S. Soccer Cold Weather Guidelines
Cold Weather Guidelines Contributors: Athletico, Korey Stringer Institute and Dr. George Chiampas
Sozo Requirements as a WSYS Member Clubs and Associations
In order to comply with HB 1824 (Concussion) and SB 5083 (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Act), there are three required actions for our clubs and associations:
1. Annual Statement of Compliance from Parent/Guardian and Player – Each year, prior to the beginning of the soccer season, each registered player and the player’s parents and/or guardian must sign and submit to the club or association a statement of compliance that the player and parents and/or guardian have both read the online pamphlet for Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
2. Club Leadership and Administration (ie: Coaches, Managers, DOC & Administrative Staff)
Concussion: Required Annually
All participating Association and Club Administrators, Coaches, Team Managers and Board of Directors must complete online concussion prevention training through the Introduction to Safety course available in the US Soccer Learning Center. The certification of completion must be provided and verified by Washington Youth Soccer and/or member associations and clubs through Sports Connect.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Required Annually
All participating Association and Club Administrators, Coaches, Team Managers and Board of Directors must complete online Sudden Cardiac Arrest prevention training through the Introduction to Safety course available in the US Soccer Learning Center. The certification of completion must be provided and verified by Washington Youth Soccer and/or member associations and clubs through Sports Connect.
3. Statement of Compliance from Club/Association – When requesting to use a school facility, the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) requires our clubs/associations to comply with HB 1824 and SB 5083. Upon request, the club/association must be able to provide a Statement of Compliance to the school district. The statement is a signed letter by a club/association Board of Director member, stating that all registered players and parents/guardians have read and signed the Concussion consent and Sudden Cardiac Arrest pamphlet and all coaches/managers have certificates of completion in compliance with the HB 1824 and SB 5083. (confirm with the local school district if they require any additional information)
