The most important responsibility of the conference is to make our program as safe as possible for all participants. In an attempt to accomplish this we have established a set of rules with safety being our first consideration. We know that we cannot prevent every possible accident that may occur, however, we are going to take every precaution possible.
As a part of our safety program, we conduct an inspection of each players equipment. This procedure is strictly intended to promote safe play. While we encourage the parents, coaches and equipment managers to check each players equipment on a regular basis, we feel it is important to be done on game day. In addition to the equipment check, we also conduct a weight check. Our age and weight requirements have been established with safety being the primary factor. If a player does not meet the weight or equipment requirements he/she might not be permitted to play in that particular game. One might argue that the player is only a little bit over-weight or that the helmet only has a minor crack in it's shell and we should overlook this and make an exception. We do not agree and will not make any exceptions to these requirements. Sacrificing the safety of a child, even if the risk is small, is simply not justifiable. Please remember to check your child's weight and equipment prior to each game to ensure your child's eligibility to play.
Remember: SAFETY FIRST!
Dehydration Drains PerformanceWhen your athletes practice and compete, they sweat. Sweating is a good thing because it is the body's natural cooling mechanism. However sweating also results in fluid and electrolyte loss, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
Athletes often underestimate their fluid needs because they rely on their thirst. Thirst IS NOT a good indicator of fluid needs, as most athletes come to practice and games already dehydrated.
Physical activity furthers the condition and by the time an athlete feels thirsty, dehydration has already set in!
In a two-hour practice, a 160-pound athlete can loose 1.6 - 3.2 pounds of body weight, which will lead to fatigue and heat illness.
To prevent this, encourage everyone who is out in the afternoon heat to drink at least 16 - 20 oz. of COOL WATER before practice, 16 - 20 oz. during practice, and another 16 - 20 oz. after practice.
Stay away from any carbonated drinks, fruit juices, or any caffeine drinks, because they will dehydrate the athlete.
Three types of HEAT ILLNESS...
1. Dehydration -
Action: stay hydrated, stop activity and cool down, using cool water or cool towels on the back of the neck.
2. Heat Exhaustion -
Symptoms: dizziness, rapid pulse, headache, profuse sweating or clammy skin, weakness, nausea, vomiting
Action - replace fluids, rest in a cool shaded area, use cool towels on the back of the neck, if dizziness continues, lie down with legs elevated to promote circulation.
3. Heat Stroke -
Symptoms: dangerously high body temperature, confused or disoriented, irrational behavior, drowsiness, nausea
Action: immediately get out of heat and seek medical treatment!
Heat Stroke IS an emergency contrition that calls for fast cooling of the victim.
Coaches and volunteers on the practice field MUST monitor the water intake of all the boys and girls on the field!
Do not let them tell you they are not thirsty, they must drink water to replace what fluid they have loss.
Also, keep a watch on the adults on the field, as they are busy with the duties of practice, they also can also become dehydrated, and /or suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Remember the safety of all the participants of DHYFA is our number one responsibility, lets all practice and play safe!
