For many families, game days are the best time of the week. With temperatures starting to warm up at many places throughout the country, it’s important to take the necessary measures to make sure your player doesn’t suffer from dehydration. Keep the following three tips in mind to combat this issue:

1. Have your young athlete to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after practices and games.

2. Teach your child the symptoms of dehydration – dry or sticky mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps and excessive fatigue – and have him or her communicate anytime he or she is feeling those symptoms. Be sure to share this information with other parents and coaches. For a list of all symptoms, click here.

3. If you’re a volunteer coach, consider adjusting the intensity of practices depending on the temperature and humidity, and ask referees, before hot games, if they can allow for extra water breaks.

For more information on dehydration, including symptoms, causes, and risk factors, visit the Mayo Clinic. Have a safe season!