Sports Drinks and/or H2O?

[Kingsman1288]

I used to drink Gatorade all the time when I was working, but then it started to make me feel sick for some reason during games. I switched over to something called Smart Water, it's just water with electrolytes in it like Gatorade has. Not sure if it works as well as Gatorade does, but it does the trick for me.

[BillyMac]

According to most studies that I've read about, unless you're a top notch athlete, like a marathon runner, or a triathlete, plain water is a great choice to keep most weekend athletes properly hydrated. However, studies did indicate that because of the flavor in sports drinks, athletes are more likely to drink a sports drink, and stay properly hydrated, than they are to drink just plain water and stay properly hydrated.

Now if you're a world class marathon runner, then the carbohydrates, and electrolytes, in a sports drink will improve your performance.

[MathReferee]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

According to most studies that I've read about, unless you're a top notch athlete, like a marathon runner, or a triathlete, plain water is a great choice to keep most weekend athletes properly hydrated. However, studies did indicate that because of the flavor in sports drinks, athletes are more likely to drink a sports drink, and stay properly hydrated, than they are to drink just plain water and stay properly hydrated.

Now if you're a world class marathon runner, then the carbohydrates, and electrolytes, in a sports drink will improve your performance.

I concur. Water should suffice for your normal 1, 2 or even 3 game outings. Beyond that, then a sports drink will help replenish some carbs. Although I am not a "world class marathon runner", I do run and will hardly drink sports drinks unless it is a half marathon or longer in order to get some carbs.

Overall, there is not necessarily anything wrong with drinking sports drinks during officiating, it is probably not necessary. My $.02.

[DLH17]

I pack a Gatorade or two when doing 3 or 4 game sets or more i.e. a 2 on 1 off day that might call for 8 to 10 games in a day.

As a rule, I will "sip" on those all day long as opposed to guzzling a large amount at any one time, or else I end up feeling bloated and/or a little nauseous.

When drinking smaller amounts throughout the day, though, they are quite refreshing and hit the spot perfectly.

[Welpe]

I don't always drink sports drinks but when I do, I will try to dilute them by 50% to reduce the amount of sugar.

Pedialyte is also great for rehydrating and has less sugar but you may want to put it in a different container.

[Mark Padgett]

Ya' know, after all these posts on this thread, no one has admitted they carry a brewski in their bag. Hummmmm.

[DLH17]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Ya' know, after all these posts on this thread, no one has admitted they carry a brewski in their bag. Hummmmm.

It seems as though you more or less just did. lol.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Pedialyte is also great for rehydrating and has less sugar but you may want to put it in a different container.

one with a nipple?