Summer sports are frequently conditional. In most cases, if it rains, they stop. Alternately, if it rains too much prior to field sports, it can be a nice day but games can still be cancelled on account of mud. The only two exceptions that come to mind are rugby and swimming. For the latter it doesn’t really matter if it rains for clear-cut reasons and the former, well, they’re rugby players.
On the other hand, heat and heat indexes are rarely reason for a cancellation, but the heat combined with exertion can be disastrous. Hydration is only one of several things to remember when exerting energy in the great outdoors, no matter whether you are playing hard, biking, walking, hiking, gardening or mud wrestling in the backyard. (Oil is not recommended in the sun, BTW.) You should also dress properly, warm up adequately, avoid the midday sun and keep an eye on the temperature.
As summer heats up, keep your head in the game called heat-related stress with these warning signs from the Mayo Clinic: muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue, headache, excessive sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, irritability, rapid heart rate or visual problems. These can be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and they recommend that steps be taken immediately to reduce the body temperature.
They also advise that you understand your medical risks. Certain medical conditions or medications can increase your risk of a heat-related illness. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
We may or may not have a hot summer, but it is better to be prepared. Even moderately warm/hot days increase risks when exercising outdoors. Humidity compounds it all. And on a further friendly note, keep an eye on your playmates. Not everyone is as knowledgeable about heat and health as you now are.
Now be careful, and get out and play!
On the diamonds
Stonewall Kickball spring/summer season is wrapping up soon so visitation rights are about to expire. Play is suspended for the July 4 weekend for both leagues and the same for the July 18-19 weekend, when a D.C. tournament takes place. Playoffs will be the last week of July.
Sunday league leaders Got The Runs and Liberty Balls are neck and neck in first place with only a three-point differential. The Thursday-night league’s sole leader, Come on My Base, is just leading Kicki Longstockings in that race. Check stonewallkickballphilly.leagueapps.com for other information and, if for nothing else, the rest of these hilarious team names.
In softball standings, the Knock Outlaws are killing the open-competitive division with an undefeated 10-0 record, knocking the competition flat. The open-recreational division is a close race between the Boxers Honeybears and the Tabu Wolves, and in the women’s division, the Tavern on Camac Tailgaters are handily holding on to first place.
More softball scores are at cblsl.org.
Short stops
• The Philadelphia Fins Aquatic Club moves outside to Kelly Pool beginning the weekend of June 27-28. • Philadelphia Soul’s You Can Play LGBT night is June 26. Join your fellow indoor-football fans for a rousing game against Tampa Bay Storm. A portion of the proceeds goes to the sports organization You Can Play.
• If you see guys around the Fourth of July carrying their balls in a bag, it’s probably for the annual Liberty Belle Invitational bowling tournament July 3-5 at Laurel Lanes. Keep an eye on the alleys and the gutters, also. n
Hit me up for photos of your special events and team time this summer! Email [email protected].