Guidelines for safe play in hot weather

While lacrosse fans will remember the exciting play of this year’s NCAA Championships, they should not forget that an underlying theme at the games was the weather. Both the men’s and women’s Division 1 championship games were played in extreme heat; during the Duke and Norte Dame final, the game-time temperature was 90 degrees with reports of over 140 degrees on the field.

With summer in its full glory around New England, lacrosse players, coaches and parents must be aware of the potential risks of heat-related illnesses. Exertional Heat Illnesses (EHI) can range in severity from heat cramps to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. Some lacrosse players may be at greater risk for developing an EHI, specifically those with a history of EHI, a lower fitness level, a higher percent of body fat, and dehydration.  Younger athletes are also at greater risk due to several factors including decreased sweat production and decreased surface area to allow heat to be released.

A common symptom of EHI is dehydration, the result of not replacing body fluids lost by sweating.  It only takes a small amount of dehydration — less than 2 percent of your body weight — to result in less effective lacrosse play and a greater risk for more serious heat illnesses.

Athletes should be encouraged to maintain hydration by drinking water or sports drinks before, during, and after practices or games. Younger athletes tend to not fully replace fluid loss when drinking water; a flavored sports drink may result in better replacement of fluids.

Dehydration may be the problem if you, your child, or a player on your team demonstrates any the following signs or symptoms: dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, and decreased performance on the field.  The athlete should be moved to a shaded or air-conditioned area and given fluids to drink.  If a medical professional is not available and more serious symptoms develop — seizures, confusion, and nausea, for example — call emergency medical services immediately. 

In addition to avoiding dehydration, lacrosse players can decrease their risk of developing an EHI by wearing light colored clothing, removing their helmets during breaks to allow for heat loss, and by planning practices and games during the cooler hours of the day (typically early morning).

Parents and coaches choose camps and tournaments that provide the following:  frequent breaks, shaded areas, and proper medical professionals, such as a certified athletic trainer on site.  Ask the camp/tournament director their policy for days of extreme heat, and find out if indoor facilities are available?  

If water or sports drinks are not provided, players should be sent to practice or games with their own source of fluid replacement.  As a coach for both a boys and girls youth lacrosse program, my game-day preparation includes bringing a tub of water, ice, and towels to games when the temperature rises.

The good news is that Exertional Heat Illnesses are preventable with proper planning and recognition.  A team effort of players, parents, and coaches can help give EHI the cold shoulder.

Dr. Daniel McGovern is a Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist Clinical Director, Prescription Orthopedic and Sports Therapy (P.O.S.T.) in Cohasset, Mass.