Here we are in June 2023. We’ve lived through Covid-19. We’ve learned that thunder and lightning mean we don’t practice and instead head inside. Due to the wildfires in Canada we now get to learn about air quality. The air we breathe knows no borders. Below are US Soccer’s Guidelines for Air Quality.

http://www.recognizetorecover.org/environmental#environmental-conditions

AIR QUALITY INDEX GUIDELINES

 If teams are aware of a potential air quality issue in their home market in advance of hosting a match, they must notify the league as soon as they become aware of the issue.  Teams are to use www.AIRNOW.gov to determine AQI in the local market. AQI is to be read 1 hour prior to teams starting warmups.

Based on the reading the following must be implemented: 

AQI 100-150:

• Add one hydration break per half to be taken at the 30’ and 75’ or at a natural break close to the times.
• Players with underlying health conditions should use caution and will communicate with local CMO and each team to monitor players with complicating health issues. To make decisions in the players best interests and risk category
• EMS to have oxygen available as needed on game day-consider oxygen availability at each bench

AQI >150:

• Four hydration breaks will be taken at the 15’, 30’, 60’, and 75’ or at a natural break close to the times.
• Oxygen behind the benches to be supplied by teams with at least 2 masks available
• Team docs start communicating regarding any at-risk players and how to best continue forward for the health of the players
• Should coordinate with local public health officials and be in line with local and or regional restrictions if in place- this should take into account players and spectators

AQI approaching 180-200:

• Consideration for postponing or canceling with on the ground assessment with the medical team
• Should coordinate with local public health officials and be in line with local and or regional restrictions if in place- this should take into account players and spectators

AQI over 200:

• Cancel or postpone

 

http://www.recognizetorecover.org/environmental#air-quality

What is Particle Pollution?

Particles in the air are mostly dust and soot so small that it floats. Soot comes from burning anything. When you burn gasoline in your car engine or wood in a fireplace, soot happens! Soot and dust make the air look hazy.

Some particles in the air are so small you can’t see them. It’s not good to breathe in too many of these small particles, because they can get deeper into your lungs than larger particles. Airborne particles can make you cough, make it hard for you to take a deep breath, or make you more susceptible to colds. If you already have asthma or problems with your heart, particle pollution could make you sick enough to go to the hospital. To reduce exposure to particle pollution when the Air Quality Index is orange or red, don’t play near busy streets where there is a lot of traffic. If smoke is from a wildfire, try to avoid vigorous activities.