ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Outdoor football practices started Monday in one of the hottest weeks so far in the year.
News4JAX received an anonymous tip expressing concern about children throwing up during practice in the heat.
There are over 1 million high school football players in the United States.
In Florida and Georgia, you’ve got to add another element, the sun. It’s really hot and it could be dangerous while playing football outside.
Football is a part of Florida and Georgia culture, but practicing in hot weather can be dangerous.
Robert Sefcik is the executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program and leads a kids safety organization. He meets with local school athletic trainers about proactive safety and awareness.
“About 50 percent of the kids that play sports get injured and more importantly a lot of those injuries could be prevented,” Sefcik said.
Outdoor temperatures in Northeast Florida have been above the average of 92 degrees. Sefcik says local schools are making adjustments.
“I believe a majority of our schools have made some adjustments where practice just started yesterday, but they are practicing earlier into the mornings or later into the evenings when we are seeing those cooler times, said Sefcik.”
Many of these changes were made after a Florida football player Zachary Martin died after doing sprints in the heat and collapsed.
Athletic trainers must monitor the temperature with a wet bulb globe device. Sefcik shows us how.
The device monitors similar to the heat index but with more detail.
The Heat Index combines air temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it feels in the shade.
However, the Wet Bulb Global measures the temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover.
The Wet Bulb is relevant for direct sunlight exposure and outdoor activities and helps better gauge.
The FHSAA handbook allows for a normal practice at 82 degrees or less but goes all the way up to greater than 92 degrees at the temperature-- no outdoor activities are allowed.
FHSAA handbook standards include:
- 82 degrees or less: Normal practice can be held.
- 82.1 to 87 degrees: Three separate four-minute rest breaks per hour of activity.
- 87.1 and 90 degrees: Maximum of two hours of activity time is allowed. There must be four separate four-minute rest breaks per hour of activity.
- 90.1 to 92.0 degrees: Max one hour activity time. Five separate four-minute rest breaks. No protective equipment permitted. No conditioning activities permitted.
St. Johns County School District released a statement regarding extreme heat protocols.
When we are faced with situations where the temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees, we assess playground equipment and stress staying hydrated and using sunscreen. Our schools ensure that staff are aware of any medical conditions that could place students at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses. In conjunction with our Student Support Services Department, school leaders will monitor and communicate decisions regarding outdoor activities for K-12 Physical Education, K-12 school-sponsored activities, recess, and extended day.
St. Johns County School District
Click here to see how SJCSD follows the Zachary Martin Act.
It’s important to talk to your children about how they feel on and off the field and encourage them to say something if they don’t feel well.
