06/29/2026
*** UPDATED ***
Is your child's team traveling to a tournament?
Are you prepared for heat exhaustion and heat stroke? These are not only safety issues – they will crush performance too.
Are ALL coaches trained in CPR and FIRST AID? If not, WHY NOT?!
Here is what I (strongly) suggest:
1. Get a Canopy for your team = $79 at Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/.../GVDV-Canopy-Tent.../5248833681
2. Get a Cooler - $25.77 at Walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-48-QT-Laguna-Ice-Chest-Cooler-Red/169502621?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200&from=/search
3. For each practice and game day - buy at least 3 bags of ice. $2.50 per bag at Walmart. Place the bags in the Cooler.
NOTE: THE BEST METHOD TO COOL AN ATHLETE IS TO IMMEDIATELY IMMERSE THE ATHLETE IN AN ICE BATH. THIS METHOD REQUIRES A TUB AND WATER SOURCE AT THE FIELD. IF THESE ARE AVAILABLE, FANTASTIC! THE REALITY IS THAT IN YOUTH SPORTS THIS IS LIKELY NOT THE CASE. YOU CAN USE A KIDDIE POOL OR GET PORTABLE INFLATABLE TUB. THIS ONE IS GREAT! POD COMPANY ICE BATH
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Portable-Inflatable-Compatible-Conversion/dp/B0F6NR7Z2X/ref=sr_1_20?sr=8-20
4. Get a pulse oximeter to make it easy to check the athlete's pulse. $20
https://shorturl.at/JwDb2
5. Every parent MUST be responsible for making sure their athlete comes to the game/practice hydrated AND has plenty of WATER! Your athlete may need electrolytes too. So stop with the water only comments. If your child is a salty sweater - ring around ball cap - salt stains in armpits of jerseys – add 1/4 teaspoon of (Celtic/Himalaya) salt to their drink. They may also need Magnesium and/or potassium as well. I can help determine individual needs. In addition, teach your athlete about urine color. Light yellow is good. As the urine gets darker (think iced tea), that is no good – dehydration.
6. Be a good OBSERVER! Watch for:
Disorientation
Confusion or just look “out of it”
Behavior change – emotional instability
Headache
Collapse, staggering or sluggish feeling
Seizure
Decreasing performance or weakness
Profuse Sweating or No sweating – either one is no good!
Dizziness
Rapid Pulse
Faster breathing or struggling to breathe
Extreme fatigue
7. If the athlete is displaying any of these signs - Pull the athlete from the game/practice and get the athlete under the canopy. Check their pulse and record all signs and symptoms you notice and the athlete reports.
8. Place the bags of ice over the chest, groin, back of neck. The immediate danger is NOT dehydration. It is hyperthermia – increased internal body temperature. The only way to accurately assess this is by re**al thermometer.
9. Call 9-1-1. Remember, COOL FIRST, TRANSPORT SECOND.
10. Monitor and STAY WITH the athlete. Monitor and STAY WITH the athlete while waiting for the ambulance. Cool the athlete for AT LEAST 10 MINUTES or until he/she starts to shiver. The athlete will hopefully no longer be disoriented, pulse is slowing down, breathing returning to normal.
11. RETURN TO ACTIVITY MUST REQUIRE MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND CLEARANCE BY A PROVIDER FAMILIAR WITH HEAT STROKE.
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on's in Grand SalineNorma D. Barrett - Coldwell Banker Anderson RealtorsGrand Saline SunSouthern Roots & Co. TRAX General Store and Mercantile home of Two Salty Broads The Fitness Den Hometown Embroidery & More
Wills Point Youth Sports Association
Grand Saline Youth Foundation
Canton Youth Soccer Association
