The second hydration testing session with the Ahascragh Fohenagh Hurling team, facilitated by the proactive involvement of the team manager, marked a significant organizational improvement. This session showcased an efficient setup and the benefit of leadership support in facilitating sports nutrition initiatives within sports teams.

The session was well-organized, with players directed by the team manager to provide samples one by one in a private setting, enhancing both privacy and efficiency. The physical setup was notably better, offering a private area with sufficient space for my laptop and materials, which helped in systematically recording the results. I utilized a pen refractometer for testing the urine samples, which proved to be a quick and effective method. The ability to test all 25 samples and record the results in just 1 hour significantly streamlined the process. Despite logistical improvements, some players mistook the hydration test for a drug test, resulting in anxiety and reluctance. This misunderstanding led to two instances of water being submitted instead of urine. Although some players were cooperative, others participated only because the manager insisted. This mixed response underscores the need for improved educational outreach. To address misconceptions, future sessions could benefit from enhanced educational efforts prior to testing, explaining the purpose and non-invasive nature of the tests to reduce player anxiety. Further engagement with players about the importance of hydration could help in alleviating concerns and fostering a more positive perception of the testing process. The coach requested that all the results be sent to him. Of the 25 players, five were moderately dehydrated, and two were on the borderline, based on the urine specific gravity cutoffs used for assessment. I felt the need to explain the results to enhance understanding and application, but there was no opportunity to discuss these with the manager and players directly after testing due to an upcoming match. The entire process, from setup to the final recording of results, was completed efficiently in 1.5 hours. This included 1 hour for testing and documenting the results, reflecting a significant improvement in time management from the initial session.

The second session demonstrated considerable progress in terms of logistical efficiency and management support. The use of the pen refractometer was particularly beneficial, speeding up the testing process considerably. However, the session also highlighted the ongoing need for better education and communication to ensure athletes fully understand and appreciate the value of hydration monitoring in their training regime.