It's Getting Hot in Here

So I went to National Tournament in Stony Brook, NY over the holiday weekend.  It was a really fun time.  I got to meet new officials and some pretty big names in women's lacrosse.  I was observed by an international official with a long list of accolades.  I got some great feedback and I should be getting an email with more any day now.

The most exciting part of the weekend happened off the field.  I almost collapsed from heat exhaustion!  Yes, it was kinda scary.  I had worked 4 games on Saturday in mid to high 80 degree weather with brutal humidity.  I made it through the day because I had hour breaks between each game.  I thought I was hydrating enough and drinking a bottle of water per game and sipping during my breaks.  My Sunday schedule was not so nice.  I had two back to back games, a one hour break, and then two more back to back games.  I was also unfortunate enough to have the sun come out and rain clouds disappear at the start of my first game.

The first game went fine which was good because I was being observed during that game.  The second one was ok, but what killed me was that it went into triple OT.  I was done by the start of the third over time period.  So I essentially ran for 2.5 hours straight.  A bit much for me.

Because as soon as I signed the paper and ran off the field, I realized I only had 25 minutes before my next game.  I was toast.  I walked over the officials tent and saw my friend.  I called out her name and by the time she reached me (maybe 15 ft) I was bent over hysterically sobbing.  I do not get emotional, so this was kinda scary.  I dropped to my knees and was just crying and trying to tell her that I don't know how I was going to do my games. I was just feeling so overwhelmed and stressed and helpless.  Feelings that I don't normally feel.  They got me into a chair, got some water and ice for me.  I just sat there crying and shaking for 10 minutes.  Needless to say they took me off my games and got replacements.

The trainer checked me out.  I ate a few granola bars, drank two bottles of water, and took some electrolyte pills.  The shaking and crying finally stopped, but then I got a little light headed.  I just sat in the same chair for the rest of the day.  I hate feeling so helpless, but I needed to take care of myself and my friends were great.  They definitely kept me from pushing myself too hard.  I made it through the day and a very memorable first National Tournament.