DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS AND HYDRATION GUIDELINES

Children are more susceptible to heat illness than adults. With this in mind and the summer heat, the U.S. Soccer Federation - the governing body of all soccer in the United States - has taken a leadership role to develop and distribute Youth Soccer Heat Stress Guidelines for youth coaches, parents and players.

The goal is to help prevent the potentially deadly effects of heat illness among children who play soccer.  The guidelines provide an overview of the latest research and information regarding: 1) the physiological factors and soccer-specific factors that place young athletes at risk for heat illness, 2) heat illness prevention techniques and 3) the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heat illness.

To ensure the key points from the guidelines are memorable for coaches, parents and kids, the U.S. Soccer Federation has developed the acronym - G.O.A.L.  Please click on the link to the left and make yourself familiar with this important safety aspect of the game of soccer.

Click for Quick Tips for Parents, Coaches and Young Athletes on Heat Stress Guidelines