Match in extreme heat

[Playtennis]

My kids are supposed to play tomorrow in a USTA L4. Its supposed to be extreme conditions on east coast. 105 with heat advisory. I am concerned but told them they can stop if they feel lightheaded etc...all players are going to be dealing with the heat. Should I pull them out - they are only 12?

[10ismom]

You might get different answer from different parent(s).
I will be more concerned about their health than their match experience or points. My answer would be - yes, I will pull my children out and let the TD keep the fee.

The normal body temperature is 98.6 F. It is extremely hard (no matter what you do) not to get overheated playing in 100 F.

[Boricua]

Pull them out. I would practice with them gradually in this type of weather.
If you decide otherwise, they should drink plenty of water and gatorade before, during and after the game. Also, bananas and oranges are good to eat during changeovers. Also, you can get them an icebag (have a container with ice to refill the icebag) to put in the neck and head so body temperature goes down between games during the rest period. Also, using the icebag helps to feel better and not so fatigued. Finally, observe your child and if he looks too fatigued tell him to quit, health is more important than finishing a match.

But, my advice again is to pull out.

[Clintspin]

Did you check with the Tournament Director? Many times the format will be changed to 8 game pro sets in the early rounds and they will not play in the afternoon. I would also want to know if a very good medical staff or trainer were going to be available on site.

I had a student have a very severe asthma attack last year. She had no know asthma condition but the temp was near 100 and the heat off the court was staggering. It was scary to watch. I really didn't quite know how that felt until last weekend when I had one of my own. It is very scary to have your airway closing and you are in a desperate struggle to breath.

So be careful but you may be okay if the format is different.

[DownTheLine]

I played a match with the heat on court of 125-130

Played 4 hour match with heat on court of 115 in thin air.

You don't notice it once you start playing, but if the kid feels like its too much then have them pull out. Drink a lot of water and take electrolyte pills!

[andfor]

If they've been playing and practicing in this heat for the last 2 weeks, let them play. Make sure they drink plenty before they play, day before, day of and post match. Mix in Gator or Powerade at about a 50/50 mix or at the least post match. Drink on every change over. Have them pack extra sweatbands, towels, shirts and wear a hat and light/white clothing. Keep them out of the heat as much as possible before and after their matches. Unless they've been playing in air-conditioning and have little to no heat acclimation they will be fine.

My kid is playing in a tournament this weekend and they are using a match tie-break in leau of a third set due to heat rules in effect. I also believe they've done away with the 3rd and 4th place matches. Check with your tournament director.

[gavna]

Since we deal with this so much in Texas and the southwest, start hydrating the DAY BEFORE - waiting until match day is too late. Wear White as much as possible and hats, keep lots of water around and assure they continue to hydrate......know the symptoms of heat stroke and watch for it. Also make sure the kids know their limits and if they start to feel "funny" they must tell you ( this one is tough as no kids know their or willing to admit their limits - be we must try).
One simple trick is on every change over keep a cooler next to their chair with cold rags - bandanas etc soaking in ice water and have the kids squeeze cold water over their heads or the back of the neck to keep the body temp down. Bring lots of dry kits and change as much as possible - even socks, compression shorts, bottoms, tops.

[mikeler]

Folks, it is just a tennis match. Don't risk heat stroke for one stinking match of your life. Just be careful, stay hydrated and have fun.

[10ismom]

I found this article from USTA sport science. Hope this is helpful to all.

http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/USTA...c_437_1419.pdf

[gplracer]

I think the issue is that the kids have been playing in below 90 weather for the past few weeks here on the east coast. Now the temperature has jumped up to 105 from below 90 in two days. Let me guess you are in Savannah at Bacon Park?

[Clintspin]

So did the kids play? If so how did they do? It has been a tough weekend in the Mid-Atlantic because of the heat and the Friday night storms. Still millions of people without power. I imagine some tournaments were canceled due to lack of electricity and down trees.

[gully]

Yes, let's hear from folks. How are the kids holding up?

Last year in St Louis it was 99 for the L3 clay event. My kid held up well but seemed a little "dull" after one tough match. Some matches had kids staggering, a few went to ER for IVs. Forecast for this week is in the triple digits some places.

[gplracer]

My son had a friend who was playing in Savannah and they played.

[tennisdad65]

I grew up in a 3rd world country playing soccer bare feet on concrete at ~100 for 2+ hours a day. However, if it is 90+ out here in Calif, I will pull my 10 yr old son out of the tournament . The court side temperatures are a lot higher than that listed on the weather sites. Not worth risking their health for a silly trophy or points.

[andfor]

Originally Posted by Clintspin

So did the kids play? If so how did they do? It has been a tough weekend in the Mid-Atlantic because of the heat and the Friday night storms. Still millions of people without power. I imagine some tournaments were canceled due to lack of electricity and down trees.

100 degree temps with a heat index around 105-106. Heat rules in effect with a match tie-break for the 3rd set. Kids all held up fine. No incidents of heat related illness or retirements due to cramping etc.