Water / Cooling Breaks

Water / Cooling Breaks

In this article you will...

  • Understand when a drinks/cooling break can be implemented
  • Understand the process for a drinks/cooling break.
  • Understand the difference between a drinks / cooling break.

To minimise the risk of players and match officials suffering heat related illness, drinks / cooling breaks can be utilised during unusually hot weather conditions. The following process should be followed.

  • The referee will assess the temperature on the pitch on their arrival at the ground.
  • If it is likely the temperature at the time of kick-off will reach 25 degrees celsius or above, the match referee can advise the teams that a cooling break is allowed to be implement. This should be confirmed to representative from each club and the two club captains prior to kick off. A drinks break can take place providing both teams agree at temperatures lower than 25 degrees celsius. 
  • After approximately 25 minutes of each half at an appropriate point when the ball is out of play, the referee will stop the game and signal that the drinks break will commence. More than one drinks break can take place in each half should this be required providing both teams agree.
  • All players can head across to the technical area and should remain on the field of play.
  • The referee will signal the conclusion of this break (drinks breaks should last no longer than 1 minute and cooling breaks no longer than 3 minutes as per the LOTG).
  • The duration of this break should be added at the end of each half.
  • If the temperature reduces considerably prior to the start of the second half, the referee should assess the situation at half time and consult with both teams before determining whether to continue with a scheduled break.
  • The referee can decide to have a drinks break during the game following consultation with both captains.

Whilst it is our responsibility as referees to help facilitate water/cooling breaks. These breaks are also for us as match officials to rehydrate and ensure we're ready to perform for the remainder of the game. Take the opportunity to have a drink and cool down!