Overview:  The Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club Cold Weather Training protocol provides information for teams that are scheduled to practice on Fairfax County allocated school and park authority fields.  This protocol applies to all registered LMVSC coaches and players. Cold related illnesses, injuries and treatment must be reviewed by staff coaches.  Failure to comply with the LMVSC cold weather training protocol shall result in disciplinary action to include but not limited to revoking assigned field permit. 

Factors to take into consideration when determining practice status.

• Field status: Fairfax County has final say on field closures – 703- 324- 5264
• Wind Chill: The Wind Chill Index was developed to describe the relative discomfort/danger resulting from the combination of wind and temperature.   www.weather.com -  Click on Hourly – first column provides the time – second column provides the temperature -the third column give you temper with the wind chill factor – “feels like”.  
• Rain: Even though temperatures might be above what is recommended, rain may affect the overall environment and lead to an unproductive session.   Weather related elements can decrease overall body defenses leaving players susceptible to illnesses if not dress appropriately. 
• Upcoming fixtures and events:  Important tournaments, state cup, and games should be taken into consideration when determining practice status. 

Criteria When Determining Practice Status:

• When the temperature is 33 degrees’, (wind chill “feels like” 33 degrees) and warmer, sessions may take place as long as players are dressed in appropriate training apparel.
• When the temperature is 32 degrees’ (wind chill “feels like” 32 degrees) and slightly cooler it is strongly recommended that teams U12 and younger cancel training.  Teams U13 and older; it is recommended that coaches research wind chill factor to determine practice status.  If it is determined that there is little to no wind chill factor, coaches may proceed with training following the recommendations below. 

• When the temperature falls to 25 degrees and lower to include the wind chill factor, all age group practices should be canceled.
• Coach or manager MUST communicate with their team of any cancellation, at least 3 hours prior to the start of practice.

Cold Weather Practice Criteria:

• Training Sessions should be adjusted to deal with cold weather by shortening to minimize exposure to extreme cold. 
• Coaches should minimize time players are not active.
• Coaches must be familiar with cold related illnesses and injuries treatments.
• Coaches MUST ensure their players are dressed appropriately.
• Coaches should be prepared to protect players from the elements should a player arrive for practice not appropriately dressed.   For example, keeping a blanket in your ball bag or trunk. 

Cold related illnesses and injuries

With the number of artificially lighted turf’ed fields in our area, more and more teams are training/playing year round.  With that, comes additional weather related injuries and illnesses.  To be specific, cold weather related injuries and illnesses. 

It is important for coaches/parents to know that cold weather related injuries could occur even when the temperature is above freezing (32°F, 0°C).  High winds and damp (sweaty) clothes can increase the potential of a cold weather related injury.   There are two factors that play a role in determining the extent of a cold weather related injury: 1) the temperature and 2) the amount of time players are exposed to the cold temperature.  

Note:  The U-10 Player:

***************COLD WEATHER RELATED INJURIES****************

Frostnip: 

Frostnip is the mildest form of a cold weather related injury.  A mild, though still painful, case of frostbite.  The skin tissue becomes numbed by the cold, but remains pliable. Blood continues to circulate through "frost nipped" tissues.  Frostnip only occurs in the outer layers of the skin.  Areas typically affected are earlobes, fingers, nose, chin, and toes.

Signs and Symptoms

Frostnip usually occurs in temperatures about 59 degrees F. 

• First sign is pain.
• Skin will turn white.  The top layer of skin feels hard – wooden like, but the deeper tissue still feels normal, soft.
• May feel tingling or numbness
• Generally reversible, no tissue injury or permanent damage
• May have blistering

Treatment:

• Gently re-warm the affected area.  The quickest approach is to simply “blow warm air on it”.  If it is the player’s fingers, instruct them to place them under their armpits. 
• Do not place very hot objects on the area
• Do not rub the affected site because the ice crystals in the skin tissue can cause damage if the skin is rubbed. 

​Frostbite:

Understanding what causes Frostnip, Frostbite can be prevented. 

Players must wear appropriate clothing: 

• Clothing should be worn loosely and in layers.  This will prevent heat loss and it will keep the blood circulating properly.  “Underarmor” apparel is great as long as it is not TIGHT fitting, causing circulation restriction.
• Covering the hands, feet, and head to include ears is also crucial for preventing heat loss.  Covering ears when it is windy will prevent painful earaches.
• Pay close attention to the weather report.

Hypothermia: 

Hypothermia “low heat” is a potentially serious and fatal health condition resulting from the body’s failure to maintain its normal core temperature of 98.6 F.  When a player is exposed to cold conditions, their body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced.  Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up their body’s stored energy and their core temperature will start to drop. 

Three stages of Hypothermia:  Hypothermia will progress through three stages as the core body temperature begins to drop.  1) Mild -2) Moderate – 3) Severe

Signs and Symptoms of Mild Hypothermia:

• Numbness of hands
• Shivering, mild to severe – shivering should be able to stop voluntarily when asked
• Sensation of cold, then pain in extremities
• Unable to perform complex tasks (fumbling with items in the hand)
• ABLE to walk and talk
• Irritability

Treatment of Mild Hypothermia:

• Move to a warm environment
• Do not exercise to warm up
• Remove sweaty clothes and replace with dry clothes
• Drink a warm not hot sugary drink.  No caffeine, tea or hot chocolate
• Do not re-warm person in a warm bath or by massaging or rubbing.
• Player should be seen by a medial facility for evaluation.

Signs and Symptoms of Moderate Hypothermia – this is a medical emergency – call 911

• Stumbling
• Intense shivering becomes persistent and then violent
• Loss of fine motor coordination in hands (fumbling)
• Sluggish
• Confused but may appear alert
• Slurred speech
• Withdrawn behavior

Treatment of Moderate Hypothermia:

• Call 911
• Follow all of the treatments listed under “Mild Hypothermia”
• Cover all extremities completely