What is the proper response if a player requests a drink during play?

When a player requests a drink during play, the appropriate response is to inform the player to wait until a stoppage in play. This is in line with the laws of the game, which do not allow for play to be interrupted for personal requests such as drinking water. The flow of the game is prioritized to maintain the integrity of match play, and stopping the game for a player to drink could disrupt this flow and provide an unfair advantage to one team over the other.

It is also important to ensure that players are taking care of their hydration needs, but this must be done in a manner that respects the ongoing play. Players can be encouraged to take water breaks at natural stoppages, such as for substitutions, injuries, or if the ball goes out of play. Educating players on the importance of staying hydrated before and after the game, as well as during scheduled breaks, helps maintain player health without compromising game dynamics.