Heat !!

[SWFLguy]

HS footbal practices began here today. Many NCAA programs
as well as NFL camps are in session-- and it is hot !!
As officials, the FHSAA requires that we take a water break
time out near the mid-point of every quarter. This rule begins
with May springs games and scrimmages and continues and includes the 2nd Saturday in October. I think this a great rule.
Back in CNY, our crew would take liberal water breaks when the
temperatures got into the high 80's.
I was wondering if any other states are doing this ??

[Texas Aggie]

If you want heat, come to Texas and work scrimmages and early season games in August and early September. I had a game in the middle of September last year where we were easily 110F on the field at the start and it didn't get much cooler. NO WIND or even a breeze. It was miserable. The key is to not stop drinking water.

I think I'll take the suggestion of an official's timeout in the middle of each quarter at my early season games this year. I highly doubt anyone will complain.

[voiceoflg]

It used to be mandatory in Alabama during the first three weeks of the season and strongly encouraged any other time but still left to the referee's discretion. Now it is solely up to the referee but still encouraged. It hasn't been mandatory in Georgia since I've been here (2003). I've been at one game since where heat breaks were taken. But most players don't play both ways and the coaches and trainers do a good job keeping fluids in the kids.

[Warrenkicker]

In Kansas we don't do manditory breaks but if you know what's good for you you will take them. It has been up to 112 this year and today is supposed to be the last day for a while over 100. Only lower 90s for the next few days then back into the upper 90s. One thing we do have is wind. 15 to 20 mph is normal and gusts to 35 or 40 are common.

We try to take the breaks whenever the conditions are bad, there hasn't been any chance for either team to get water for a while and there has just been a change of possession. So remember to watch and listen to the players. Some of them might just be out of shape but some of them might be getting into trouble.

And don't forget yourselves. A few years back my wing was saying that it was about time for a water break during the game. I told him that we had just had one a few minutes earlier, you know, basically "shut up and get back to work." Well it was he who needed the water as he hadn't gotten any when we were letting the players get some. He was getting light headed and starting to get in trouble. The problem was that he wouldn't say it was his problem while I thought he wanted water for the players. The bottom line is if someone needs water then get them water. This is only a game and it's not worth damaging someone's health over something so insignificant.

[SWFLguy]

And don't forget yourselves.

Rack that !!! We have to "go both ways" !

[MJT]

It is easy to take breaks often enough on a COP. Make sure to not kill momentum, but you also don't want to kill any players. Error on the side of safety.

[wisref2]

In Wisconsin, it is both allowed an encouraged to take extra breaks. I aim for the middle of the quarter, but only after a change of possession so as to not break momentum of the game.

One high school player has already died this year during practice in the heat (it happened on 7/31 or 8/1 down south).

And for those who are snickering - it does get hot in Wisconsin!!!! Today, upper 90s with high humidity - and that's along Lake Michigan. And no, we don't take extra breaks to warm up late in the season!

[grantsrc]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

And don't forget yourselves.

Rack that !!! We have to "go both ways" !

This is so true. There is an article on my website about dehydration and its effects on officials. We have to make sure we are staying hydrated too because lose of liquids impacts our decision making.