News Summary

As high school football practices begin in Phoenix, coaches emphasize safety measures amid extreme heat. With temperatures expected to rise, hydration and precautionary practices are crucial. The Arizona Interscholastic Association mandates a 14-day acclimatization to ensure athletes adapt to the challenging conditions while preventing heat-related illnesses. Community warnings highlight the need for hydration and care during this heat wave.

Phoenix High School Football Practices Begin Amid Extreme Heat Warnings and Safety Precautions

As high school football practices kick off across the Phoenix area, coaches and athletes are prioritizing hydration and safety amid extreme heat warnings. Official practices for smaller schools began on August 28, while larger schools were already engaged in helmet practices starting from August 4.

With temperatures forecasted to soar between 105 and 110 degrees from July 28 to August 2, the health and safety of athletes remain a pressing concern. Dr. Jimmy Nguyen, an emergency room physician at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, underscored the critical need for precautions during workouts under such challenging conditions.

Coaches are advised to schedule practices during the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or later in the evening, as the hottest period typically peaks between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Indoor workouts are recommended if overnight lows do not provide sufficient cooling. Athletes must remain vigilant, as reports indicate an increase in heat-related illnesses during the summer months, necessitating more significant awareness and preventive measures.

Hydration Guidelines and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses

The primary recommendations for hydration include the importance of drinking water and avoiding consumption of caffeine, energy drinks, and muscle-building supplements, all of which can exacerbate dehydration. Early signs of heat exhaustion can manifest as muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headaches, weakness, and nausea. More alarming symptoms, such as confusion, lack of sweating, or collapse, require immediate medical intervention.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) mandates a 14-day acclimatization period for football teams to help prevent heat-related issues. During the initial three days of practice, players are permitted to wear only helmets. They can then add shoulder pads before donning full protective gear after the first week, allowing athletes to gradually acclimatize to the intense conditions.

Exertional heat exhaustion has been highlighted as the leading preventable cause of death among high school athletes. According to a study conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations and published in 2019, between 1960 and 2017, 61 football players died from external heat exhaustion, with a majority under the age of 18. These statistics underscore the urgency of implementing effective prevention strategies such as scheduling practices during cooler periods, allowing for gradual acclimatization, shortening workout durations, and encouraging open communication between athletes and coaches regarding health status.

Impact of Heat Wave on Local Youth Sports

This ongoing heat wave has also prompted some postponements in local youth sports events, illustrating the widespread influence of high temperatures on athletic activities. Temperatures are expected to peak even higher, reaching between 112 to 117 degrees on the following Monday and Tuesday, which has raised alarms among parents, coaches, and community members regarding the safety of young athletes.

Community Health and Safety Recommendations

Local residents are cautioned to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, and dress in breathable clothing to mitigate the harsh impacts of the soaring temperatures. Additionally, issues regarding air quality are surfacing, with advisories issued for ozone pollution, particularly affecting vulnerable members of the population.

Monsoon storms are anticipated later in the week, offering the potential for improved air quality and a welcome reprieve from the oppressive heat as temperatures are expected to drop closer to the Fourth of July weekend. The combination of temperature extremes and air quality concerns necessitates that health and safety remain the top priority for coaches, athletes, and parents alike as practices commence this season.

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HERE Resources

Upcoming Events in Phoenix Area from April 7-13

Additional Resources

• Arizona Central: Precautions in Heat
• ABC15: Extreme Heat Warnings
• Fox 10 Phoenix: Youth Sports Matchups
• Wikipedia: Heat Exhaustion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Exhaustion