Table 3.

Establishing a Hydration Plan.

Guiding Question	Steps to Correct	Implementation Example
Are athletes in a state of optimal hydration?	Assess hydration status	Have scales available before and after practice to assess fluid deficits Measure fluid needs via sweat rate
Is the exercise prolonged or intense?	Increase availability of palatable fluids	Have more breaks during longer practices or more intense exercise Allow longer duration breaks
Is the exercise being performed in environmental conditions that lead to greater fluid losses?	Establish breaks based upon environmental conditions	Modify practice schedules utilizing WBGT to establish work-to-rest ratios that allow for adequate fluid intake
Is fluid available throughout the entire duration of exercise?	Fluid is made readily available for athletes If fluid is restricted (e.g., running races, soccer matches etc.), maximize opportunities for rehydration	Provide free access to fluids during practice Ensure athletes utilize breaks to rehydrate when opportunities are limited
Are there individuals with intrinsic risk factors?	Identify individuals with high sweat rates or other limits to optimal hydration Identify individuals whose thirst drive is not matched to their fluid losses during exercise Counsel and monitor these athletes	Test sweat rates of individuals who have issues with hydration Develop individual hydration plans for high-risk athletes
Are there sport-specific factors that need to be considered?	Counsel athletes on health and performance risks of utilizing dehydration for weight loss	Assess hydration status alongside weight measurements to promote healthy weight management

WBGT: Wet-bulb globe temperature.