First off I know this time of year is not all that well known for hydration problems but that's what makes it a great time to think about keeping your players hydrated.  It is off season for hydration products and a great time to find some deals out there.  I know of one such deal and I will bring it to your attention here.

Here in the Northeast hydration is not one of our major concerns through out the year.  Temperatures rarely climb above the 90's in the summer and keeping players hydrated is relatively easy as the weather cooperates with outdoor activities.  Those of you in southern states or out west however should be aware of how important it is to keep players of all ages hydrated on the field.  Those 100+ degree days and that humidity take a huge toll on the human body when an athlete is giving their all.

There are many ways to keep players topped up with fluids.  There are lots of simple things that can be done to avoid hydration problems.  During football practice keep a pad rack and helmet rack on the sideline.  During drills that don't require helmets and shoulder pads have players take them off.  I know it sounds like a hassle and a time consuming idea but a little more forethought in practice and you can do half the practice with and half without pads.  A player without a helmet and shoulder pads on stays a lot cooler on those extra hot days.  Of course we're not just concerned about football players.

Most people these days are buying hydration systems for the sideline.  Whether you use a simple a frame watering station that plugs into a hose, a Water Boy Horizontal Chiller or a battery powered hydration system, delivering cold water to players through out the game is essential.  All of the previously listed systems are great and I highly recommend buying the best system you can afford as it could save lives, not to mention give your players the edge.  Only problem is the price tag on these units can give you heart palpitations.  Plus I just can't see a soccer mom hauling it from field to field.  That's where the good old water cooler comes in.

Igloo water coolers have been in service for years their industrial grade models have been serving players on the sidelines.  They are durable and they can keep up to 10 gallons of fluids cold for an entire game.  Recently Igloo came out with a new line of water coolers that can't be beat.  Their seat top beverage cooler line offers both a  5 gallon and 10 gallon model.  The unique thing about these is that the top is flat and designed to be used as an extra seat on the sideline.  In addition each cooler comes complete with a cup dispenser.  Cup dispensers are usually sold separately but you get one for free here.

A water cooler may not be the high tech solution you had in mind but they deserve a fair consideration.  A couple of 10 gallon water coolers cost under $100.00 each and they will provide a ton of fluids.  The would certainly surpass the abilities of individual water bottles and you won't have a heart attack over the price.

Water coolers feature sturdy handles on the sides for quick and easy transport and these new seat top models feature no leak spigots to ensure that your refreshing beverages stay in the cooler until needed.

This time of year is a great time to pick up a few of these beauties and with the inclusion of a cup dispenser and seat top design you can't go wrong.  Even if you upgrade later you will always find work for you trusty water cooler and it will always be there to do the job.  In fact I should mention that replacement parts, should they ever be needed down the road, are available from Igloo.  So if you cooler falls out of your truck and the handle or spigot breaks you can buy a replacement part rather than a whole new cooler.

You can find more information about the Igloo line of water coolers at www.morleyathletic.com.  There you will find detailed pictures and descriptions as well as product videos so you can get a closer look before buying.