From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center - April 29, 2002

To:      Chair, State Referee Committee
           State Referee Administrators
           State Directors of Referee Instruction
           State Directors of Referee Assessment
           National Instructors
           National Assessors
           All Referees
From:  Alfred Kleinaitis
           Manager of Referee Development and Education
Re:      Availability of Water During a Match
Date:   April 29, 2002

The FIFA Medical Committee recently emphasized the importance of proper hydration during a match and the need for water (or other appropriate liquids) to be available to the players.  Referees are advised to use the following common sense guidelines in determining the correct ways in which this concern can be implemented.  Although the term “water” is used below, the guidelines apply to all liquids that may be provided for player hydration in the immediate area of the field.

· Players may drink water during play or at a stoppage but only by going to a touch line or goal line.

· While drinking water, players may not leave the field nor may they carry water containers onto the field.  The players should stand at the touch line or goal line while drinking water.

· Water containers may not be held in readiness where they will interfere with the movement of the assistant referees.  After water containers are used, they must be removed so as not to interfere with the movement of the assistant referees.

· Under no circumstances may water containers of any sort (regardless of material, size, or construction) be thrown onto the field or to players even during stoppages of play.