Soccer Safety Vol. 2 (Part A)

Soccer in Cold Weather

October 30, 2007

By JR Justesen

(Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of a multi-part series on soccer safety.)

Part A of this article will describe the risk factors and signs associated with the stages of loss of core body temperature, or hypothermia. Part B will make practical suggestions to keep players safer, warmer, and more comfortable under cold or wet conditions.

Generally speaking, soccer players are not in the cold weather long enough to sustain serious cold weather injuries, however there are many climates in which the game is played during very cold and wet conditions and tournaments can leave players exposed for longer periods.

Susceptibility to cold injury depends on our ability to retain heat plus our ability to generate heat, minus the particular cold challenge of the day. As the cold weather overcomes our ability to retain and make heat, we lose core temperature. When we lose core temperature to the point where normal muscle and brain function becomes impaired, hypothermia has set in. Frostbite is injury to the skin caused by cold exposure. Frostnip is the mildest form of this injury and usually affects the cheeks, earlobes, fingers and toes.

Cold Challenges:

Temperature - Players are most vulnerable as temperatures drop towards or below freezing.

Wind - Wind evaporates moisture and draws heat from exposed skin. Soccer officials and coaches should carefully consider whether to allow practices or games when the temperature is below freezing and wind conditions are high.

Rain - Wet skin freezes faster than dry skin and water conducts heat from the body 25 times faster than air.

Hypothermia Stage Signs:

Mild - Shivering, goose bumps, numb hands

Moderate - Intense shivering, uncoordinated movements, mild confusion, difficulty speaking, withdrawn

Severe - Shivering stops, exposed skin becomes bluish, unable to walk, muscles rigid, decreased breathing and heart rate. Unconsciousness eventually follows

What To Do:

Hypothermia - Warm the player as soon as possible and take care to avoid further heat loss. Change wet clothing for dry and add extra layers as soon as possible. Shelter the player from wind and rain and use blankets (warm if available). Warm fluids will provide hydration and are a source of both calories and heat. Food intake will provide a slower release of energy. Alcohol, caffeine and tabacco should be avoided as they may further dehydrate the player and decrease blood flow.

Frostnip - Do not rub the area. Gently rewarm by blowing on the tissues, or immersing them in warm water (38 to 41°C). Warming should only take place if you are sure that the tissues will not freeze again. Refreezing of newly thawed tissue can cause serious damage.

If the player has both hypothermia and frostnip, the priority is to warm the core.

As with most injuries, it is better to prevent than cure. The next part gives practical suggestions for the soccer player to avoid cold injuries.

Click here for Part I of Soccer New England's Soccer Safety series.

JR is a physical therapist, a player, coach and father. He has worked in amateur and professional soccer and has also written a book called “The Ultimate Guide to Soccer Safety.”

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