Question Number: 16406

League Specific 8/23/2007

RE: REC Under 14

marty gregory of franklin, KY USA asks...

WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR CALLING GAMES FOR THE HEAT INDEX?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

they vary from state to state and organization to organization. As an example, in Georgia Georgia Youth Soccer does not follow High School guidelines

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee, unless ordered by local rulings, will begin the match on time in all conditions not considered a danger to the players. Heat is not a danger if players are fit and properly hydrated. Fitness is the responsibility of a teams trainers. Hydration is the player's responsibility. The referee must allow players the opportunity to drink at any time the player considers it necessary. This is addressed in Chapter 19 of the 2007 edition of Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game. In 19.4 the referee is reminded players may drink at any time during the match at a touchline and at a goal line only during a stoppage in play. They are not permitted to leave the field nor is a water container or a sponge permitted to be thrown to them and they may not throw the container when they are finished.

Regards,