There are some pretty important rules to follow when it comes to baseball players staying safe out in the sun. A lot of it comes down to staying hydrated, staying in shady areas and wearing light clothing.

However, our recreation, American Legion and scholastic league baseball players are much more capable of following those guidelines than the umpires officiating the game. Beaufort County Post 15’s baseball team has had two instances in the last few weeks of plate umpires suffering from heat-related illness.

As hard as they may try to avoid it, it’s tough. Plate umpires oftentimes have to wear darker clothing, a mask and protective chest gear. All of this mandatory gear traps body heat and prevents the body’s natural defenses from heat exhaustion from playing their part.

A lot of umpires seen at local games are older men, but heat-related illness among baseball officials is tough to manage even for younger, physically fit umpires. Therefore, they have to take even greater precautions to ensure their safety.

The Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey (atsnj.org) outlines these extra steps umpires should take. Preparations start almost a day in advance. Alcohol and caffeine — both of which dehydrate the body — should be avoided the evening before officiating a game. Plenty of water and sports drinks should be consumed the day of the game and throughout it.

Beyond hydration, an umpire must take advantage of all opportunities to dissipate body heat. That could mean spending a few minutes in the shade of the dugout or removing the hat or mask at any break in play. Any chance to release even a little bit of the contained heat is extremely valuable.

Signs of heat-related illness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness and irregular heart beat — everyone should be paying attention to these symptoms, regardless of whether they’re on an athletic field or doing yardwork. Should they occur, it’s time to get in the shade, immediately remove any gear and drink water or sports drinks. A wet towel or ice pack should then be used to help bring the body temperature down.

Fortunately, in both of the incidents at Post 15 games, the umpires have come out fine. Hopefully these preparations will help prevent it from happening again and keep our officials, and residents, as safe as possible.