Sports related heat illnesses are sadly always in the news this time of year. The July heat is officially scorching, and the August heat is not far behind. For any sports fan, parent, spectator, official, or athlete, the feeling of dread when it comes to a noon game has officially set in. It is also the time of year that we sadly see collegiate athletes collapse on the field due to heat stroke.
This brings me to my question: if adults are collapsing on the field due to exertion in high heat, why in the world are we forcing youth to do this. I saw a TikTok this past weekend that said, “this is not the same heat I played tournaments in as a child,” which made me think, how much hotter is it this year than on average? I know if I, a resident of the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Ala., cannot even go to the beach because it is so hot, something is up.
Last year was recorded as the sixth-hottest year on record, and this year is well on track to meet or even pass that milestone…if we can even call it that.
When the external temperature reaches the 90s or 100s, the heat index, especially in the southern regions of the United States, can reach 125 degrees easily. Last week, the heat index here was often 115-120. It was so hot that when I got back into my car after a grocery store run, the ice in my Yeti cup had dwindled significantly.
MY YETI LOST ICE IN TWENTY MINUTES.
Also, let us just be thankful we do not have to pay power bills for our car, and it is just a car note…well…and gas. I am not getting into that this blog.
Back to the subject.
Why are we as organizers allowing these children to play in such harsh conditions in full length pants. I tell you what, I have never seen a parent show up to their child’s game in the heat of the summer at high noon wearing pants. It is shorts and a t-shirt/tank top. If we would not go outside and exercise at 12 p.m. on a random Wednesday in July, why are we forcing them to. Now, I know there are several factors that go into a tournament. One being several teams, a short event, and location.
However, there are things we can do to combat those to get these poor children out of the heat.
For example, I attended a tournament when I was younger that had games go from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. then “dropped dead” meaning a complete stop if the game had not progressed past the third inning.
All games then resumed at 3:30 p.m. allowing a well-needed indoor break for parents and teams to go back to hotels and catch quick bite to eat—or a nap—during the heat of the day. The last game was then played at 8:00 p.m.
While this sounds like not a lot of gameplay, there were multiple fields at the facility. Even if this does not work for you or your tournament, it is super easy to modify. Yes, some people will complain about the driving/game times, but I guarantee you will not have people complaining about the heat or passing out from heat related instances.
Even though it may be too late for the upcoming end of summer tournaments, it is always a good reminder to keep ideas in your back pocket for future usage.
