Keeping cool in the heat

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by NYBLUE

Prior to each game, you and your partner(s) should agree to keep a close on eye each other. I've seen guys go down in the middle of games and their partners looked surprised.

Well, if someone went down on me in the middle of the game, I'd be surprised, too.

[Stu Clary]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Well, if someone went down on me in the middle of the game, I'd be surprised, too.

...but happy.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

...but happy.

Not if it's my partner!

[Stu Clary]

You work with ugly partners?

[Stu Clary]

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

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

You work with ugly partners?

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).

[NYBLUE]

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.

[DaveASA/FED]

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!!!

[Dakota]

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.

[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by Dakota

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.

Not to be contrary, well a little bit, but I have never been to an ER room 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.

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

[Andy]

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.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Andy

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.

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.

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.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Andy

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.

3. Same can be said for alcohol.

4. Add a little spirits of ammonia to that ice water, and you will notice a big difference.