Coaches, trainers emphasize safety during heat
JACKSON, Tenn. — The heat of summer met the high school gridiron, Wednesday night. Even at 5:30, it was sweltering during 7-on-7 scrimmages.
Local coaches said their preparation for the upcoming season comes with plenty of caution.
“Ten-minute water breaks every 30 minutes when the heat is above 94. When it’s over 105, we just don’t go out,” South Gibson High School head football coach Scott Stidham said. “I think it’s a good thing to make sure our kids are safe. Anything we can do to make football safer is good.”
“These parents, they give us their kids,” Halls High School head football coach Chris Parker said. “We’re in charge of them, and we want to send them back to them in good health, and so we do everything we can, as much water and as mindful as we can be.”
The TSSAA now dictates that high school football teams gradually wade into using their pads in practices, something trainers said is making a difference.
“We take breaks through each practice and make sure that we’re getting enough water,” said LeAnn Childress of Sports Plus Rehab. “It’s important to always think about the heat. No matter what and when they’re playing football, they’re sweating so much, they’ve got to be able to re-hydrate.”
While opening night for teams is fast approaching, coaches believe having the players ready for the heat is the right call.
“Safety is the first thing, and these kids are high school kids at the end of the day,” Coach Parker said. “It’s a game, and we want them to enjoy it and be able to go home.”
Trainers said in just the 10 days since the football dead period, they’ve had to treat several kids for heat-related problems. They say education and a proper diet are the biggest contributors to preventing any issues.
“It’s still going to be hot on Aug. 13,” Coach Stidham said. “It’s getting close. It’s going to be here before we know it. We have to get our kids ready to go.”
Trainers also said other sports that are preparing for their upcoming seasons, like cross country and girls soccer, also take special precautions to make sure athletes stay safe in the heat.
