Memorandum

To:                    State Association Executive Directors

From:                Jerry L. Diehl

Subject:           Fall Practice – Heat Concerns

As we are just entering into the practice season for fall sports, we have had three deaths in football that were strongly related to heat exhaustion.

High temperature is not the only factor that contributes to heat problems. A temperature that is in the acceptable range coupled with high humidity is a recipe for disaster.

A second factor is inadequate hydration. Participants must be well hydrated before going to practice. It goes without saying that fluids must be readily available during practice and athletes need to be directed by the coaching staff to consume the available fluids. Following practice the athletes must consume enough fluid to offset the losses at practice.

Also, the length and timing of practice must be curtailed or even cancelled when indicated through accepted heat indexes.

Last, indoor sport practice session participants should also be acutely aware of the climatic conditions. Because fans are provided and they are indoors should not relieve any due diligence. Heat/humidity can increase quickly indoors.

The following references are not the only resources:

1.      “Recommendations for Hydration to Prevent Heat Illness”
   (http://www.nfhs.org/scriptcontent/va_Custom/va_cm/contentpagedisplay.cfm?content_id=210)

2.        “Heat Stress and Athletic Participation”
   (http://www.nfhs.org/scriptcontent/va_Custom/va_cm/contentpagedisplay.cfm?content_id=211)

3.        NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook “Heat-Related Illness” – pages 34-39
   (http://www.miaa.net/NFHS-Sports-Medicine-Handbook-pgs34-39.pdf)

4.        Gatorade “Coaches Corner”
   (www.gssiweb.com/tackleheat/index.cfm)