The Heat Is On!

No Excuses No Regrets!

As football players not only in Indianapolis, but across  the country  from youth leagues to the pros prepare for the upcoming season they will need to take the necessary precautions to beat the heat.

Because football players are particularly at risk of heat illness, youth football coaches should adopt practice modifications and employ a strategy to acclimate players to perform in the heat, along with a fluid replacement plan for all players who begin practice already dehydrated.

TheAmerican College of Sports Medicine suggest the following to help players safely acclimate during the pre-season and reduce the risk for heat injury:

1. Make sure all have a pre-participation physical on file.

2. Education of coaches and support staff on how to prevent, identify, and treat heat related illness.

3. Schedule pre-season for at least 2 weeks, weeks 7-10 practice sessions of gradual and increasing exposure to intensity, duration, and protective equipment.

4. Avoid conducting multiple on field practice sessions on consecutive days.

5. Regular breaks should be scheduled to limit excessive physical activity and allow fluid replacement.

6. Use shade when available during breaks.

7. Have a plan in place that helps prevent heat cramps.

8. Have Fun, but be smart!

" Kids don't have to suffer heat injuries or in extreme cases die from heatstroke." according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Heat stress is preventable if parents, coaches, and other adults involved with youth football programs have access to and utilize the right information.