BTW (back on topic) - please be sure to not only hydrate, but top also replace electrolytes when working in hot conditions.

Mostly guys, so... yes.

Back on topic. Yes, hydrate as much as you can during the days leading up to the hot game. Eat bananas for the potassium so you're less likely to cramp up. Bring lots of fluids to the games to help replenish the fluids you lose. Bring a small towel and a cooler, dunk the towel into the melted ice water, and use that to wipe down (or shove under your hat - not during the games, of course).

The moral of this thread is.....

Keep updated on the weather forecast for your upcoming tournament/games and prepare accordingly.

Packing up your gear the morning of is not the brightest idea.

I was thinking that too....most of my partners I would have to agree...no thank you, but I have worked with a few that there would be no objections on my part!!! :D

I don't know about 3 days; it would seem to me that one day is enough to ensure you are adequately hydrated (unless you are dehydrated to begin with).

Also, be aware that you can over-hydrate (both before and during the event). The symptoms of over-hydration are very similar to the symptoms of dehydration (dizzy, difficulty concentrating, etc.).

Drink enough the day before, and then drink a liter or so an hour before.

You can over-hydrate during the event, too, since you can drink fluids faster than your body can absorb them. In high temp/humidity environments, you can also lose fluids faster than your body can absorb replacement fluids, so don't wait until you are thirsty.

There used to be a good article on hydrating and working in the heat on cactusumpires.com, but I can't find it on the site now.

Basically - just as most of the others have already said:

1. Start hydrating 2-3 days before you will be working in the heat.
2. Water is best, I usually have some sports drink as well for electrolyte replacement and flavor.
3. Avoid Caffiene - it is a diuretic and will flush water from your system.
4. A small towel kept in ice water in the cooler feels really good between innings.
5. If you don't live in the area and are not used to the heat, make yourself take a drink every half-inning during the game.

Not to be contrary, well a little bit, but I have never been to an ER room :eek: or been woken up in the middle of the night with severe cramps from over-hydrating. But I have because of not hydrating enough.

My ER story included fire trucks with sirens, causing a minor traffic jam, ambulance ride,EKG's, blood tests and the electrolyte/potassium lecture from an ER Doc. :o

So I'll err on the side of over-hydrating.

Quoted from wikipedia...

Endurance sports
Marathon runners are susceptible to water intoxication if they drink only water while running. Although sweat is relatively hypotonic compared with body fluids, marathon runners perspire heavily for long periods, potentially causing their sodium levels to drop when they consume large amounts of fluids to quench their thirst. The replacement fluids may not contain sufficient sodium to replace what has been lost, and this puts them at high risk for water intoxication. Medical personnel at marathon events are trained to immediately suspect water intoxication when runners collapse or show signs of confusion.

Overexertion and heat stress
Any activity or situation that promotes heavy sweating can lead to water intoxication when water is consumed to replace lost fluids. Persons working in extreme heat and/or humidity for long periods must take care to drink and eat in ways that help to maintain electrolyte balance. Even people who are resting quietly in extreme heat or humidity may run the risk of water intoxication if they drink large amounts of water over short periods for rehydration.

• On September 12, 1999, US Air Force basic trainee Michael J. Schindler died of heat stroke, severely complicated by water intoxication, two days after becoming seriously ill during a 5.8 mile march. The Air Force changed its recruit training procedures as a result.
• Other notable fatalities due to water intoxication include Andy Warhol, Anna Wood, 2002 Boston Marathon competitor Cynthia Lucero, and Washington, D.C. police officer James McBride.

Memorial Day weekend was the 1 year anniv of the umpire in our area having a stroke from the heat right after walking off the field.

That game a coach told this umpire "you get off the field and get in the shade and get some water or I forfeit this game", The umpire, not wanting to cause girls to forfeit went over, sat down in the shade and had a stroke.

Hes now our assigner but will never umpire again.

Hydrate is #1 gentleman.

You can also put a SMALL amount of spirits of ammonia in the water to help dissapate the heat...just don't drink the water. :eek:

One of the problems I see from umpires up here in the NW, and other umpires in other places, is NOT drinking water because it's cool, not thirsty, etc. etc. ALWAYS keep yourself hydrated, even on these 52 degree Saturdays we've been dealing with this spring (including last weekend -- so sorry for those of you dealing with EXTREME HOT AND DRY). Drink water.

Heck, might even improve your strike zone. :eek: ;)

Oh, and if my partner goes down on me during the middle of the game...well...yah, I'd be surprised too

I don't think any of those people umpire...I'm guessing Andy Warhol would probably have a real weird strike zone.

Yeah, you're right... umpires have an entirely different physiology from the rest of the human race.

If you only drink water, you need some other strategy to keep your sodium and other mineral levels up. Eat something, or drink actual sports drinks (as opposed to what marketing wants you to believe are sports drinks). Drinking only water in a high fluid loss activity will lead to water intoxication (over-hydration).

Not drinking enough and getting overheated can lead to heat stroke.

Only drinking water to replace high fluid loss can lead to water intoxication (loss of sodium, etc.)

Some of the symptoms are the same.

And the difference is? ;)