FIFA has introduced three-minute hydration breaks in the World Cup to mitigate the risks of extreme heat illness. The breaks will be taken midway through each half, regardless of temperatures. Experts have warned that this summer’s World Cup could be the hottest in the tournament’s history.

Heat Risks and Hydration Breaks

Athletes pushing themselves physically in hot and humid conditions risk getting exertional heat illness, which can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, and dehydration. The human body can sweat 1 to 2 liters of fluid per hour, and most athletes drink less liquids than they expel, exacerbating the risk of dehydration.

The three-minute hydration breaks are meant to protect players and referees from extreme heat illness and help them maintain their physical performance. However, some critics argue that the breaks are too short to make a significant impact on cooling and rehydration when conditions are extreme.

Scientists have suggested that cooling breaks should be at least six minutes to be effective. The breaks can include methods such as putting wet, cold towels on the exposed parts of a player’s body to reduce their body temperature.

Climate Change and Sports

As the planet gets hotter, mandating hydration breaks and changing where, when, and how sports are played will be necessary. The World Cup is the first to implement mandatory three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half, regardless of temperatures or whether stadiums are enclosed and/or air-conditioned.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.