Sun Safety
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) follows best-practice standards for protecting players, referees, coaches, and volunteers from environmental risks during training and matches. These guidelines draw from U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program and the Korey Stringer Institute recommendations on heat safety.
Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and exertional heat stroke are serious and potentially life-threatening.
Early signs may include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or irritability. Severe cases may involve hallucinations, slurred speech, or a body temperature above 104°F.
Prevention measures include:
- Monitoring conditions daily using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) or Heat Index.
- Providing unlimited access to water and scheduled hydration breaks.
- Adjusting or canceling training/matches during dangerous conditions.
- Educating coaches, referees, and volunteers on recognizing symptoms.
- Including heat illness protocols in Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
Hydration & Recovery
- Hydration breaks are mandatory once WBGT reaches 89.6°F.
- Breaks: 4 minutes every 30 minutes of play (e.g., at minutes 30 and 75 in a 90-minute match).
- For suspected heat illness:
- Remove athlete from play and move to shade.
- Begin active cooling (ice towels, immersion if available).
- Encourage electrolyte-rich fluids.
- Call 911 immediately for suspected heat stroke.
Heat Alert Levels
| Alert Level | WBGT (°F) – Cat 1 | Conditions | Work/Rest Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | < 76.1° | Good conditions | Normal activity. 3 x 3-min breaks per hour or 10-min every 40 min. |
| Yellow | 76.3–81.0° | Less than ideal | 3 x 4-min breaks per hour or 12-min every 40 min. |
| Orange | 81.1–84.1° | Moderate risk | Max 2 hrs training; 4 x 4-min breaks/hour OR 10-min every 30 min. |
| Red | 84.2–86.1° | High risk | Max 1 hr training; 4 x 4-min breaks/hour. No conditioning. |
| Black | > 86.2° | Extreme | Cancel/delay training and matches until cooler. |
Thresholds vary by climate region category (1, 2, 3).
Excerpt of the WBGT Conversion Table
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) values based on temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%). Adapted from the Korey Stringer Institute & U.S. Soccer Recognize to Recover guidelines.
| RH% \ Temp (°F) | 68.0 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77.0 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86.0 | 87.8 | 89.6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 59.0 | 60.8 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68.0 | 68.0 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 71.6 |
| 5 | 60.8 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68.0 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 71.6 | 73.4 |
| 10 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68.0 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 |
| 15 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68.0 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77.0 |
Full table, including all US regions, can be found here.
Sun Safety
AYSO aligns with Recognize to Recover’s Sun Safety Guidelines:
- Encourage the use of sunscreen (SPF 30+), reapplied every 2 hours.
- Provide shade structures (tents, benches, trees) whenever possible.
- Recommend light-colored, moisture-wicking uniforms.
- Educate families and players on year-round UV exposure risks.
Air Quality and Other Environmental Factors
In addition to heat and sun exposure, AYSO regions should:
- Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI); suspend play when AQI exceeds safe thresholds.
- Adjust schedules to avoid poor lighting or storm activity.
- Ensure safe field conditions (e.g., hydration stations, access to cooling areas, safe playing surfaces).
References
- U.S. Soccer – Recognize to Recover
- U.S. Soccer – Environmental Guidelines
