Your Browser must accept Cookies from referees.lwysa.org to allow individualized processing
Hydration During Matches - USSF Memo
From: US Soccer Referee Education Resource Center
Subject: Providing Hydration During A Match
Date: April 4, 20
As the summer months again approach, questions have been raised regarding the manner in which hydration ("water breaks") may be provided to players. It was recently suggested, for example, that the FIFA Referee Committee had decided to permit, at the referee's discretion, a formal hydration break. This is incorrect, no such decision was taken.
While player health and safety is a paramount concerns the Laws of the Game do not authorize or allow any stoppage called expressly for the purpose of providing hydration.(LWYSA Comment: HOWEVER - see below.)
Given the demonstrated importance of proper hydration during a match and the need for water (or other appropriate liquids) to be available to the players, the following common sense guidelines are provided. Although the term "water" is used below, the guidelines apply to all liquids that may be provided for player hydration in the immediate area of the field.
Players may drink water during play or during any stoppage provided for by the Laws of the Game, but only by going to a touch line or goal line.
While drinking water, players may not leave the field nor may they carry water containers onto the field. The players should stand at the touch line or goal line while drinking water. However, goalkeepers may keep a water container near the goal provided
Water containers may not be held in readiness where they will interfere with the movement of the assistant referees. After water containers are used, they must be removed so as not to interfere with the movement of the assistant referees.
Under no circumstances may water containers of any sort (regardless of material, size, or construction) be thrown onto the field, from the field, or back and forth among players, even during stoppages of play. (LWYSA Comment: This is for safety. When this happens in matches, it is usually a mad scramble on the sideline and it would be easy to get hit by a flying bottle. This especially helps to prevent opponents from being "accidentally" hit.
In youth matches, a local competition authority might include a rule exception in which a water break is mandated. In such cases, a referee who agrees to accept the assignment is expected to implement the rule. (LWYSA Comment: In northwest matches, it is rare that the rules of competition will address this. Therefore, referees of youth matches, especially recreational matches, are encouraged to use common sense and be flexible. If both coaches agree to a break - do it. During tournaments, if the day will be hot, you should ask the assignor to obtain guidance from the tournament director. There will be a need for consistency in order to avoid "protests" and you need to know whether the matches are scheduled so tightly that you may not be able to "add time" for "time lost" taking the break.
