Mandatory Water Break

[chrisrun]

In case anyone from Florida missed the email. I'd hate to see you brought up on charges because you missed the water break.

FSR is passing on information from FYSA to all New Rule 402.4 402.4 - Player Hydration In any FYSA sanctioned match a break will be given at the midpoint of each half of regulation time and at the end of each overtime period (if played) for player hydration. This break will be given at a normal stoppage of play and it is mandatory. Violation may result in charges under FYSA Code of Ethics.

Passed by the EC via Conference Call 10/05/05.

[NJ Ref]

I’m confused….is there a certain temperature at which you do this…or is this now done at any and all games, regardless of the temperature?

I know the relatively new women’s league has within their rules that if the temperature is 100 F or more, then we do quarters for the sake of water breaks.

[chrisrun]

I’m confused….is there a certain temperature at which you do this…or is this now done at any and all games, regardless of the temperature?

As far as I can tell, this is for every youth game, no matter what the temperature. I guess they figure for most of the games it will be hot, and if it's not, it still can't hurt.

[MassachusettsRef]

So this applies for the Tampa Bay Sun Bowl, which takes place Dec 27-30, as well as other winter-month games. I've reffed games there with frost on the field in the morning and three layers under my long sleeves. And now I'll be doing water breaks?

This rule seems like it is trying to stop a paper cut with triple-bypass surgery.

From my limited experience with the FYSA, the organization seems like it is headed up for the most part by people that loathe any sort of discretion. These are the same people that instilled automatic 3-game suspensions for any foul/abusive/insulting language red cards and 6-game suspensions for any violent conduct.

[Claymore]

This has "litigation shield" written all over it.

[Laggard]

Our state association requires breaks when the temp is above 95.

[JohnR]

In case anyone from Florida missed the email. I'd hate to see you brought up on charges because you missed the water break.

Those are really annoying. We got hit with those in a tournament. Games were only 50 minutes to begin with - so a waterbreak in the midst of each half means only 12 1/2 minutes of play without being interrupted.

The week before, the boy played in temperatures 15 degrees warmer in an Hispanic league game. The other team only had 9 guys show. So they played 9 vs. 11 in 95 degree heat. Ran their butts off too. No water breaks, of course, are you kidding me?

[LeeS]

So this applies for the Tampa Bay Sun Bowl, which takes place Dec 27-30, as well as other winter-month games. I've reffed games there with frost on the field in the morning and three layers under my long sleeves. And now I'll be doing water breaks?

Hello??!!

Hot Cocoa Break!!

Lee

[mutinywxgirl]

Thing is about FL in the winter - though it may be cold (by FL standards) for the first match, it's up to the mid-60's by noon. All those layers generally come off after the first game, by which time, it's amazingly refreshing out.

[njref]

Those are really annoying. We got hit with those in a tournament. Games were only 50 minutes to begin with - so a waterbreak in the midst of each half means only 12 1/2 minutes of play without being interrupted.

The week before, the boy played in temperatures 15 degrees warmer in an Hispanic league game. The other team only had 9 guys show. So they played 9 vs. 11 in 95 degree heat. Ran their butts off too. No water breaks, of course, are you kidding me?

You are assuming that the water break results in added time, is that clear?

Given the time constraints for tournaments, I would assume that there is NO additional time for waterbreaks, and the clock is running, so you have only 10-11 minutes of consecutive play.

[MidwestRef]

In the leagues where I work, water breaks are either mandated by the tournament committee or, if it's a non-tourney league game, by mutual consent of the coaches.

I'd like to think that the coaches and the referee crew, working together, can make a well-reasoned decision about water breaks. Plus, many fields where I work don't have thermometer handy.

[law5guy]

http://fysa.com/home/110619.html

Yes... it is year round. But, just a reminder to our Florida referees, it is a break 'for player hydration'. Pregame, when checking in teams, I remind the coaches that the break is ONLY for player hydration, and NOT for coaching.
When coach desides to start with 'Johnny go mark #10'... 'player hydration' break is over. If coach continues, caution (no showing yellow card) for unsporting behavior. If he already has a caution, he watches from his car.

I am VERY specific in letting know coaches this before the game. He can coach during half time, but during the 'player hydration' break, his 'job' is to get the water bottles to his players... and that is ALL.

Anyone here feel I am being too strict in my following what the new rule states.... and it's intent?

Cheers...

[refontherun]

http://fysa.com/home/110619.htmlI am VERY specific in letting know coaches this before the game. He can coach during half time, but during the 'player hydration' break, his 'job' is to get the water bottles to his players... and that is ALL.

Anyone here feel I am being too strict in my following what the new rule states.... and it's intent?

Cheers...

IMHO the clock is still running. The coach is allowed to give tactical instructions to his players during the run of play and during stoppages. Why should he not give tactical instructions during the water break as well; as long as it doesn't interfere with restarting the game in a timely manner.

[blind_clown]

http://fysa.com/home/110619.html

Yes... it is year round. But, just a reminder to our Florida referees, it is a break 'for player hydration'. Pregame, when checking in teams, I remind the coaches that the break is ONLY for player hydration, and NOT for coaching.
When coach desides to start with 'Johnny go mark #10'... 'player hydration' break is over. If coach continues, caution (no showing yellow card) for unsporting behavior. If he already has a caution, he watches from his car.

I am VERY specific in letting know coaches this before the game. He can coach during half time, but during the 'player hydration' break, his 'job' is to get the water bottles to his players... and that is ALL.

Anyone here feel I am being too strict in my following what the new rule states.... and it's intent?

Cheers...

1. Only players can be cautioned or sent off. Team officials are warned and dismissed or any synonyms for those words besides cautioned/sent off. Showing the yellow/red card is merely communicating a caution/send off

2. "402.4 Player Hydration
In any FYSA sanctioned match a break will be given at the midpoint of each half of regulation time and at the end of each overtime period (if played) for player hydration. This break will be given at a normal stoppage of play and it is mandatory. Violation may result in charges under FYSA Code of Ethics." Nothing about no coaching. Now if there's no drinking going on and he's still going play's starting.

[Christopher]

I understand the intent here but it leaves me with the following question. Who decided the time frame which dictates the players need this? Is there any medical or physiological research to show this meets a need? If so, why haven't we heard from the sports drink powers that this is needed? Seems to be an easy way to insure a boost in sales and I doubt they would pass that up for any reason.

A few years back at the national championship held in Arizona we were given water breaks at mid period. But this was in 100+ degrees and dry weather - a deadly combination. Also had this at a tournament in Ohio when the temps were 100+. It made sense then and the referees made the decision along with the teams and no one objected.

I am originally from Florida and can understand this to be a need during June through September, but not year round. Makes me wonder if they will come out with playtime regs for competitive level soccer next.

[Ontario Ref]

I think this idea of waterbreaks is kind of ridiculus. Even though I'm from Canada, it still gets pretty hot here mid-July. Players who feel that they need water have every opportunity to get it from the sidelines or goal line. The coaches are usually ready with bottles and a spray on their side, goalies take 3 bottles with them in their own goal and some parents provide waterbottles on the opposite sidelines. Why stop a perfectly good game?

[JohnR]

My thoughts on the matter are expressed below. Suffice it to say, I don't view mandatory water breaks as being a step forward for mankind.


TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while
they carried us.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and
didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright
colored, lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we
rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE
actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with
sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were
back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride
down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into
the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at
all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound,
no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in
us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told
it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or
rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who
didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard
of. They actually sided with the law!

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem
solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!

[Wreave]

We just had a baby, and my wife was taking a breastfeeding class, seeing a lactation consultant, renting a $$$$ breast pump, reading books, etc., and my thought was, "Good grief, how did humans ever manage to survive this long?"

Of course, to boot the whole breastfeeding thing didn't work out and our baby is now full-time on the bottle. Not that that's the worst of all possible things, just that all that effort that went into something women managed to do for 6000 years on their own, and now in the last 50 years can't seem to do without a gaggle of assistants...

[njref]

My thoughts on the matter are expressed below. Suffice it to say, I don't view mandatory water breaks as being a step forward for mankind.


TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while
they carried us.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and
didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright
colored, lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we
rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE
actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with
sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were
back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride
down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into
the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at
all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound,
no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in
us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told
it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or
rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who
didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard
of. They actually sided with the law!

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem
solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!

You left out polio, whooping cough, DWI and a few other things that we also survived. Yes most of the kids our age survived, but that doesn't mean that lead based paint, birth defects from excess drinking while pregnant, no seat belts, polio etc are good. Some things and policies that have come along since we were kids are wonderful improvements, some aren't.

Personally I think water breaks for youth soccer are a good idea. Kids can dehydrated when it is hot. Why would you want to take an unnecessary chance like that? Or drive around without seat-belts? Or not get a polio shot? Or leave drugs in a easy to open container? The cost is so low while the risks avoided are great.

It is one thing for adults to make choices (and take stupid risks) for themselves, it is quite another to take risks for their kids and someone else's kids entrusted to their care.

[refontherun]

In my day we called it natural selection.

"What's the last thing the Red-Neck said before he died?

"Hey Ya'll, watch this!!"