GOAL SAFETY

 CBS News reports on the potential dangers of soccer goals and how to keep our kids safe.

Article:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/07/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main2897486.shtml

Video:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2896814n



CHEST TRAPS FOR GIRLS

There have been questions regarding chest traps by the girls. In our region, we allow our maturing young ladies to protect themselves when they chest trap the ball. The girls are allowed to cross their arms and hold them against their chest and it’s not a "Hand Ball Foul". If the player moves their arms away from their chest, in order to alter the direction of the ball, then it is a hand ball foul.

Our upper division girl teams (U-16 & U-19) rarely use this technique and use the standard chest trap method. Coaches of U-10, U-12 and U-14 girl teams that continue to post season play and tournaments should discuss this technique with the center referee before a game. The center referee should tell you if he will allow it.

The following site provides chest protection for women: Marcott Sports

KEEPING KIDS HYDRATED

A number of factors place young athletes at an increased risk for dehydration and various heat illnesses. First, the higher energy expenditure of young athletes means that they produce more metabolic heat. In addition, young athletes don’t sweat as efficiently as older athletes and thus cannot cool their bodies as effectively. Finally, young athletes are not as diligent about drinking fluids and their body core temperature during dehydration tends to increase faster. For these reasons it is essential that young athletes be encouraged to drink frequently even when they are not thirsty.

Research studies have shown that providing a cooled and flavored beverage produces greater fluid consumption among children and helps prevent dehydration. Parents should make sure that athletes arrive at practice sessions, games or competitions fully hydrated. Coaches should enforce drink "pauses" every 15-20 minutes even when athletes do not feel thirsty. Parents, coaches and the athletes themselves should watch for the "warning signs of dehydration":

Thirst -- Irritability -- Headache -- Weakness
Dizziness -- Cramps -- Nausea -- Decreased performance


The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides the following guidelines for the maintenance of optimal hydration:
Before Exercise: 16 - 20 full ounces within the 2 hour period prior to exercise
During Exercise: 4 - 6 full ounces
Post Exercise: replace 24 full ounces for every one pound of body weight lost during exercise.

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