Tournament Information

Hydration

The number one priority for our committee is the health and well-being of our players, visitors and volunteers. We encourage all players to prepare for the weekend by hydrating well in advance.

Here are the contingencies we will take during the Tournament:

• Water, Ice and Iced towels will be provided on court and fresh iced towels will be rotated by our staff before each match. Gatorade will be provided at the Tennis Center.
• We will reserve the right to move the Saturday and Sunday matches from 8 am to 7am to avoid some of the hotter periods of the day, and to make up for any weather delays that may occur.
• Some courts may be shut down periodically from 2 pm-4pm for maintenance. This will allow us to water the courts to prevent drying out, and provide a break during the peak of the hot weather.
• We will have Emergency Services on staff for the entire weekend. If you feel ill, lightheaded or queasy or get the dry chills at any time during the tournament, please seek assistance immediately.

Hydration Tips for the Weekend

Start your hydration process 3 to 5 days in advance of your first match. Your body can only absorb fluids in small doses. You must consider the electrolyte content of your fluid intake, especially if you exceed about 24 oz/hr (710 ml/hr). In hot weather, we recommend that you take electrolytes before and during every hour of exercise. We do not recommend simply using Salt Tablets. If you use electrolyte supplements, find one that addresses all electrolyte needs not just Sodium and Chloride.

Don’t assume that you can drink unlimited amounts of water or fluid during exercise and expect that all of it will be absorbed and the excess will be lost in sweat or through the kidneys. You will instead bloat, dilute your blood, urinate excessively, and develop water intoxication.
Wear the lightest, most evaporation-friendly clothing you can afford. Cotton isn’t on the list. Many fibers today provide superior wicking and evaporation that allow your sweat to do the work nature intended.

In general, during hot conditions keep fluid intake between 20-25 oz (approx 590-740 ml)/hr. Heavier athletes may consider intakes upwards of 25-30 oz (approx 830 ml)/hr. If you feel you need more fluids, keeping in mind that you will require additional electrolytes. Regular fluid intake over 30 oz (approx 890 ml)/hr increases the possibility of dilutional hyponatremia.

Use cold fluids as much as possible as your body absorbs them more rapidly than warm fluids. Cups and Ice will be provided on court.

Urine color can indicate hydration level. Dark yellow urine means low hydration. Pale to light yellow is good. Don’t confuse the bright yellow urine you get after vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) supplementation for the dark yellow urine that indicates overly concentrated urine.

During hot periods, avoid foods and fuels that contain low chain carbohydrates. These simple sugar fuels require more fluids and electrolytes for digestive purposes. Also avoid carbonated drinks, as the gas inhibits absorption.

Cool down gradually, but frequently. Cooling to quickly could cause cramping and nausea and further stress your body. Start with a small cold towel, and gradually lower your body temperature. Cold towels will be provided on court.

If you take medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if those medications make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion.