FIFA hydration breaks have sparked criticism. But what do they actually do?

In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has introduced mandatory hydration breaks for all soccer players participating in the World Cup to protect them from the dangers of extreme heat. This decision has sparked mixed reactions from different quarters.

Experts have raised concerns about the upcoming World Cup, which is set to be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. They predict that this tournament could potentially be the hottest in its history. In response to these concerns, FIFA has mandated three-minute hydration breaks during each half of the game, regardless of the temperature. However, critics argue that these breaks disrupt the flow of the game and provide coaches with an opportunity to change the momentum in their team’s favor. Some scientists also believe that the breaks are too short to have a significant impact on cooling and rehydration in extreme heat conditions.

Joshua L. DeVincenzo, assistant director of applied research services at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, emphasized that the hydration breaks are crucial in preventing any incidents or emergencies on the field.

This World Cup will be the first to implement mandatory cooling breaks, irrespective of the stadium’s infrastructure or air conditioning. FIFA’s decision aims to ensure fair playing conditions for all teams, drawing from past experiences like the FIFA Club World Cup held in the U.S. last summer, where temperatures soared into the mid-90s Fahrenheit and above.

Players face various risks associated with exertional heat illness when pushing themselves in hot and humid conditions. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, impaired performance, headaches, dehydration, and even heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Dehydration exacerbates these risks, as athletes tend to sweat more than they drink, impacting their physical performance.

To mitigate these risks, FIFA has introduced hydration breaks to help players and referees maintain their performance levels and prevent heat-related illnesses. During these breaks, players can cool off and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes through various methods like using cold towels and consuming liquids. The duration and effectiveness of these breaks depend on the aggressiveness of the cooling measures implemented.

As the global climate continues to change, adapting sports events to address the challenges of extreme heat will become increasingly important. Mandating hydration breaks and making adjustments to how, where, and when sports are played will be vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes in the face of climate change.

The original article was published by The Associated Press, with support from the Walton Family Foundation for water and environmental policy coverage. The AP is responsible for all content related to environmental issues. For more environmental coverage by the AP, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment.