For the Apertura 2026 and Clausura 2027 tournaments, the Guatemalan National League approved measures to protect the health of players and coaching staff during the matches played in high temperature conditions.
The Competition Regulation 2026-2027 introduces the possibility of “refreshment breaks” or hydration breaks and also establishes restrictions on meeting times that are held in venues with greater exposure to heat.
The provisions, endorsed at the 74th FIFA Congressseek to reduce exposure to heat and solar radiation during the development of matches.
The document indicates that these measures are intended protect the physical integrity of players, match officials and coaching staffa practice that It was also mandatory during the 2026 World Cup.
In the hands of the referee
He article 27 of the regulations establishes that referees may authorize hydration breaks when an indicator that measures the joint effect of temperature, humidity and solar radiation exceed 32 degreesconsidering that these conditions represent a health risk of the game’s protagonists.
When this parameter is exceeded, The whistler will be able to stop the match on two occasions, around minutes 30 and 75to allow footballers to hydrate. Each break will last from one to three minutes.and its application It will be at the discretion of the referee.
Prohibited hours
The regulations also regulates the scheduling of matches in locations with higher temperatures. The standard establishes time slots to reduce exposure to heat and solar radiation during the hours of greatest intensity.
In stadiums located in places where the average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius or moremeetings must be scheduled before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.. In locations with average temperatures between 27 and 29.9 degreesmatches can be played before 12 noon or after 2 p.m..
Hydration breaks were also implemented during the 2026 World Cupplayed in stadiums of United States, Mexico and Canada.
A physical benefit… and a possible tactical change
The high-performance physical trainer Luis Fernando Velasquezwith experience in Municipal, Xelajú MC, Deportivo Marquense and national teamsconsider that hydration is essential in high temperature scenarios, although questions whether breaks can be extended up to three minutes.
According to Velásquez, the measure has a physical benefit, but it can also modify the competitive pace.
“Hydration at all times is going to be important, especially in high climates, because that is where the most salt and fluid is lost”explained the physical trainer.
However, consider that a prolonged pause can affect the dynamics of the match.
“Stopping for three minutes is a prudent time to slow down in a game”he pointed out.
Velásquez considers that These interruptions can directly influence the development of the gamedepending on when they occur.
“If I am attacking the other team and I am close to scoring, I think it will be unfavorable if they cut my rhythm, because stopping for three minutes can lower the intensity”he warned.
The physical trainer considers that The pause not only has a physiological effect, but also a strategic onebecause it allows teams reorganize and receive instructions from their coaches.
Regarding the restriction of schedules, he supported the decision of the National League.
“It seems perfect to me to play it after 3 in the afternoon, because not even the teams in these towns train at that time”he concluded.