BC Soccer Extreme Heat Guidelines June 24,2021

BC Soccer Extreme Heat Guidelines
June 24, 2021
Participant health and safety is a high priority for BC Soccer; thus, it is recommended to err on the side
of caution if ever in doubt in any situation regarding the health and safety of participants.

These guidelines:
1. Serve as a guidance for member organizations, affiliates, team officials, players, and match
officials (registered referees) of BC Soccer.
2. Suggests what members, affiliates, match officials (registered referees) and team officials should
consider in assessing Extreme Heat Events (EHE) at local fields and awareness of potential health
impacts, and
3. Provide additional information about the Extreme Heat, Preventative Measures & Potential Risk.
Guidelines
1. Step 1 – Determine Location
Go to https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca and find your specific location.
2. Step 2 – Determine Temperature (Projected Temperature)
Check the current temperature with specific focus on the “feels like” temperature which
accounts for the humidity in measuring temperature
3. Step 3 – Review the EHE Activity Chart (below) for appropriate Activity Modifications.
Extreme Heat Events (EHE) Activity Chart
4. Step 4 – Games, Tournament Play, Training and Practices
Where possible, matches should be scheduled for cooler times of the day.
- Playing in hot conditions both increases the risk of heat illness and impairs performance.
Event organizers should attempt to organize matches at a time where less heat stress and
exposure is expected. They should reschedule matches where the heat stress is extreme.
Important notes related to game play:
- the match official (registered referee) reserves the final right to cancel the game if the
conditions are considered dangerous, in their opinion.
Humidex Value Discomfort at rest Risk of overhaeting during exercise Activity Modification
Below 24 C None Low N/A
25C to 29C None Low to Moderate N/A
30C to 34C Some
Moderate - Athletes should be
monitored
Games - Drink Breaks every 30
Minutes
35C to 39C High
High - Athletes should be monitored
closely
Games - consider reduced game
length, re-schedule kick-off or
cancellation
40C + EXTREME EXTREME ALL ACTIVITY CANCELLED

- Referee to write on game sheet reason for an abandonment with EHE Humidity Value, time
& date and number calculated.
- If temperature increases dramatically during a game referees and team officials are advised
to use their discretion. Record all decisions and relevant information on the game sheet.
Important notes related to training and practices:
- Team Officials should consider if the conditions are considered dangerous and if so,
reschedule practice or postponing practice until a later time.
- If temperature increases dramatically during training or a practice, Team Officials are
advised to use their discretion and be responsible.
- Team Officials should have an Emergency Action Plan that is shared with all participants (see
link here for template).
o Team Officials are encouraged to complete the NCCP Emergency Action Plan elearning activity on creating and using an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
Laws of the Game Allowance
Law 7 within the Laws of the Game allowance for medical stoppages permitted by competition rules,
e.g. ‘drinks’ breaks and ‘cooling’ breaks.
Definitions in Law:
- ‘Drinks’ break – Competition rules may allow ‘drinks’ breaks (of no more than one minute) for
players to rehydrate; these are different from ‘cooling’ breaks
- ‘Cooling’ break – In the interests of player welfare and safety, competition rules may allow, in
certain weather conditions (high humidity and temperatures), ‘cooling’ breaks (usually ninety
seconds to three minutes) to allow the body’s temperature to fall; these are different from
‘drinks’ breaks
Preventive Measures
Lightweight, breathable clothing is needed when training and playing in hot conditions.
- This type of clothing allows evaporative cooling to occur (evaporation of sweat). Heavier items
of clothing can limit heat loss through this source
Ensuring players are hydrated.
- Importantly even well-hydrated players can be affected by heat illness.
- Rule of thumb: when playing or training, drinking at least 500 ml for every 20 lbs of body weight
is recommended. Thus, someone weighing 140 lbs should drink at least 3500 ml of fluid per day.
Other factors to consider in determining risk include (but are not limited to):
Not being acclimatized Fitness Level (Unfit)
Hypo hydration Hyper hydration
Use of a variety of medications or supplements Persons with persistent, disabling mental illness
Certain medical conditions (cardiac, lung)
Early warning signs to consider include (but are not limited to):
Flushed face Hyperventilation or shortness of breath