Reducing Sports Heat Illness Risk

• With adequate hydration, youth athletes do not have less effective thermoregulatory and insufficient cardiovascular capacities compared with adults during exercise in the heat. • However, youth athletes are capable of incurring significant body water and sodium deficits during training and competition that can affect performance negatively and increase the risk of exertional heat illness. • Although adequate hydration is integral to the safety of youth athletes who are training and competing in the heat, myriad other contributing factors can put children and adolescents at great risk during athletic activities, even if they are well hydrated. • With evolving evidence, it is increasingly clear that the emphasis of exertional heat illness risk-reduction strategies and measures for youth should focus on readily modifiable contributing risk factors, such as acclimatization status, activity modification, uniform and protective equipment configurations, and scheduling of practice, training, and play. Close monitoring of youth athletes and a prompt response to signs of evolving exertional heat illness are critical priorities for all who oversee and assist with youth participating in sports in the heat. • More research needs to be done to appreciate better the dehydration and thermal strain challenges facing youth athletes so that more specific evidenced-based guidelines for enhancing safety and performance can be established.