Heat Safety for Late-Summer Practices

Fall sports begin in the heat of late summer. In eastern Pennsylvania, August afternoons can be hot and sticky, and those are exactly the conditions when young athletes are most at risk for heat illness. With planning and awareness, nearly all heat illness can be prevented.

Understand the risk

Heat illness happens when the body cannot cool itself effectively. Factors that increase risk include:

• High temperatures and humidity.
• Strenuous activity.
• Heavy equipment, such as football pads and helmets.
• Not being used to the heat.
• Dehydration.
• Illness, such as a recent fever or stomach bug.
• Certain medications.

Humidity is especially important. When the air is humid, sweat does not evaporate as well, making it harder for the body to cool down.

Acclimatize gradually

Young athletes need time to adjust to the heat. Sports medicine organizations recommend a gradual acclimatization period at the start of the season, often around two weeks. During the first several days, practices should be shorter and less intense. In football, players typically start in helmets only, then add shoulder pads, and only later practice in full equipment.

Adjust for conditions

Coaches should check the weather before every practice. Some programs use the wet bulb globe temperature, which combines temperature, humidity, sun and wind, to decide whether to modify or cancel practice. Others use the heat index. Either way, practices on very hot or humid days should be shortened, made less intense, moved to cooler times of day or held without equipment.

Build in rest and water

Frequent breaks in the shade, with unlimited access to water, are essential. In hot conditions, breaks every fifteen to twenty minutes may be appropriate. Players should remove helmets during breaks to help their bodies cool.

Recognize the signs

Know the signs of heat illness:

Heat cramps

Painful muscle cramps, often in the legs or abdomen. Stop activity, move to the shade, stretch gently and drink fluids.

Heat exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, clammy skin and a fast pulse. Move the athlete to a cool place, remove excess clothing and equipment, provide fluids and apply cool towels. If symptoms do not improve quickly, seek medical care.

Heat stroke

Confusion, unusual behavior, collapse, very high body temperature and possibly hot, dry skin. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling the athlete right away. Cold water immersion is the most effective method. Do not wait for emergency services to arrive before starting to cool.

Have a plan

Every program should have a written heat safety plan that covers acclimatization, weather monitoring, rest breaks, emergency procedures and access to cooling methods such as ice tubs or cold towels. Coaches should know the plan and be ready to act.

How parents can help

• Make sure your child is well rested and hydrated before practice.
• Send a large water bottle to every practice.
• Tell the coach if your child has been sick or is taking medication.
• Teach your child to tell a coach if they feel unwell.
• Learn the signs of heat illness.

Safe and ready

Heat safety is not about avoiding hard work. It is about making sure young athletes can work hard safely. With smart planning, practices in late summer can build fitness and teamwork without putting children at risk.