Acclimatization

Prevention and Treatment of Youth Sport Injuries
an Online Resource

• Field Care
• Equipment
• Rules
• Heat Illness
• Hydration/Nutrition
• Acclimatization
• Lightning
• Burns
• Weather

The most critical period for acclimatization is the first 3 to 5 days, however athletes should be acclimatized to heat gradually over a period of 7 to 14 days. For the first 5 days no more than 1 practice per day and the use of helmets and shoulder pads only is recommended. When initiating two-a-day practices common practice recommends 3 hour breaks in between sessions and nothing but rest counts as a break. This includes a regimen of days on and days off when done during the first 14 days. So if Monday consists of 2 practices in one day, Tuesday can either be one practice or a day off and Wednesday can continue as a two-day practice. Time inside alone does not constitute a break and days off do not count towards the 14 days for full acclimatization. So if an athlete is indoors in the wait room that is not sufficient as a portion of the 3 hour break and if there is no practice on Saturday or Sunday that does not count towards acclimatization because the athlete is not exposed to the elements.

This tool was constructed using the expertise of certified athletic trainers, an orthopedic surgeon, and a certified teacher/web site designer. These professionals were selected for their abilities to interpret medical information and to instruct diverse populations.