From: New Ref AYSO 43 [newref@ayso43.org]
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 11:43 PM
To: Randolph E Harr
Cc: Ray Cooper; Mark Kent; Randolph E Harr
Subject: Scorcher tomorrow; advice on game management

Referees,

It will be a very hot day all of tomorrow.  Your leadership as a referee is needed in situations like these.  Things you can do to manage the situation:

a) Start the game on time,
b) Keep the clock running during the midway through the half breaks as you normally should,
c) Allow some more time for water replenishment and coach evaluation of player condition at the break,
d) If you see a player looking exhausted or on the verge of heat stroke; stop the game to allow them to get aid immediately,
e) The rules state you must play two equal halves.  Adding time to a half is allowed if time is lost due to extended injury or substitution delays.  But you are not required to add such time.  Adding too much time (more than 1 or 2 minutes) can impact the following game (especially at U12 and above).  So on hot days, do not plan on adding time and simply keep the game to schedule even with the extended substitution break.  Do the same procedure for both halves.  Better a short, safe match than one with injuries and over exhaustion.
f) If the players look drawn out and too drained to play, stop the game for a break.  Abandon the game (do not finish) if they are not in a condition to re-enter the field and play.  Make sure to record this situation. Key to record is the fact and time the game was stopped easily so the board can decide whether to replay the game or not.
g) Listen to the coaches.  If neither want to play in the afternoon, abandon the game.

Otherwise, take plenty of water yourself.  Have a safe one ...

Randy Harr, Asst RRA
Ray Cooper, RRA
Mark Kent, Assignor