Question Number: 19261

Mechanics 6/3/2008

RE: REC Under 13

JESSE of El Paso , TX USA asks...

We are playing in a tournament in a few days and the weather will be over 100 degrees. I saw 3 days ago in the championship game for the Mexican League that the ref stopped the game for a drinks break about halfway through each half because the temperature was extremely high. I will try to have this same thing done during our games (2 & 5 pm) and want to know if there is any FIFA rule that supports stoppage of play due to heat in order to protect the players. Is there?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

There is no FIFA rule, but there is always a common sense rule. Most youth tournaments, if the weather is really hot, will mandate water breaks. It doesn't hurt to ask the other coach and the referee if it isn't mandated to arrange one. If your tournament is in South Texas, I can almost guarantee there will be water breaks. Don't forget though, that players are allowed to take water at the touchline at any time during a game. The water cannot be thrown onto the field, nor can the player leave to get it, but it can be provided by subs or bench personnel whenever needed. And, I would use your sub opportunities liberally - as often as you can without ruining the game plan and flow.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee is empowered to suspend the match for any reason. If the tournament instructs the referee to give water breaks, that is just as good a reason as any to suspend play temporarily, in fact I would say it's a very good reason to stop. Believe it or not... the referee's ALSO like having a drink half way through.

Just have the referee suspend play at the first NATURAL stoppage (foul, throw-in, corner kick, goal kick, etc) after the half way point of the half. I wouldn't advise stopping the game simply to have a water break though. Give 2-3 minutes, let the teams over to the sides for water and then start up where you left off.