Student-athletes across the nation face the challenge of practicing for their sports during the peak of summer, exposing themselves to heat-related injuries. However, one high school in Georgia has found a solution to this problem, leading to fewer heat-related cramps among their football players.
Heard County High School in Franklin, Ga., built a six-story shelter that fully covers its football field, providing shade and shelter from the hot Georgia sun. Referred to as the pavilion, this structure has been a game-changer for the school’s student-athletes. The pavilion, which cost nearly $3.5 million and was completed in June 2024, has allowed the players to practice and compete outside with some relief from the scorching heat.
Shane Lasseter, the school’s head football coach and athletic director, attests to the positive impact of the pavilion on the players’ performance. He notes that in his years of coaching, he has never had a season where kids did not catch cramps during practice. The pavilion has made a significant difference in reducing heat-related cramps, allowing the players to focus on their training and performance.
The issue of heat-related injuries among student-athletes is a growing concern across the nation, particularly as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research database, there have been 67 sports-related deaths among secondary school students as a result of heat stroke between July 1982 and June 2022. The majority of these deaths were males between the ages of 13 and 18, most of whom played football.
The pavilion at Heard County High School serves as a model for other schools looking to provide a safe training environment for their student-athletes. By investing in infrastructure that protects athletes from the heat, schools can prevent heat-related injuries and create a conducive environment for training and competition. As the effects of climate change continue to impact athletic programs, it is essential for schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of their student-athletes.
As a result of these studies and the collaboration between researchers, educators, and policymakers, Georgia has made significant strides in improving heat-related safety in school sports. The state has implemented a comprehensive heat policy that outlines specific guidelines for schools and coaches to follow in order to protect student-athletes from heat-related illnesses.
One key component of Georgia’s heat policy is the use of the WBGT tool to monitor environmental conditions during practices and games. This tool helps coaches determine the appropriate level of intensity and duration for outdoor activities based on the temperature, humidity, and solar radiation levels. By using this tool, coaches can make informed decisions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
In addition to using the WBGT tool, schools in Georgia have also implemented heat acclimatization protocols that gradually introduce student-athletes to hot weather conditions. This gradual exposure helps athletes build up their tolerance to heat and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Furthermore, Georgia’s heat policy includes guidelines for hydration, rest breaks, and emergency action plans in case of heat-related emergencies. Coaches and school staff are trained to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and take immediate action to prevent serious consequences.
Overall, Georgia’s commitment to improving heat-related safety in school sports has led to a significant decrease in heat-related incidents among student-athletes. By prioritizing the health and well-being of athletes, Georgia has set a positive example for other states to follow in promoting safety in high school sports.
Stringer was a Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle who tragically passed away from exertional heatstroke complications suffered during a Minnesota Vikings training camp practice in extreme heat in 2001. This devastating incident shed light on the dangers of heat-related illnesses in sports, prompting schools and organizations to reevaluate their policies and practices to ensure the safety of athletes.
A study conducted in 2008 found that schools that modified their football practices during extremely hot days saw a reduction in heat-related illnesses by 35% to 100% in some cases. These findings emphasized the importance of implementing policies and tools focused on heat safety in athletic programs to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The study recommended a three-pronged approach to heat safety in high school football teams. The first step is acclimatization, where players spend a week adjusting to hot weather conditions by practicing without equipment and gradually transitioning to full practices with protective gear. This helps players adapt to the heat and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The second step is using the wet-bulb globe temperature (WGBT) tool to monitor practice conditions. The WGBT tool provides guidelines for safe activity based on temperature levels, allowing coaches and staff to make informed decisions about practice modifications or cancellations when necessary. As the temperature rises, adjustments such as increased breaks or gear removal can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
The final step is creating an emergency action plan to respond to heat-related emergencies. Schools should have protocols in place for treating heat strokes, such as access to cold-water immersion tubs to cool down affected athletes before seeking medical attention. Having a well-prepared emergency plan can make a significant difference in the outcome of heat-related incidents.
Following the study’s recommendations, at least a dozen states, including New Jersey and Florida, have adopted heat safety policies that mandate the use of the WGBT tool to modify practice conditions. By implementing these policies and tools focused on heat safety, schools and organizations can better protect athletes from the dangers of exertional heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses during sports practices and events. Georgia has been a trailblazer when it comes to implementing policies to protect athletes from extreme heat during practice sessions. According to Stearns, Georgia has not only adopted these policies but has also produced evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness in saving athletes from heat-related illnesses.
One example of this proactive approach can be seen in Heard County, where a pavilion was built to provide a safe space for football practice. Prior to the construction of the pavilion, practice sessions had to be scheduled early in the morning to avoid the heat. This posed challenges for students who had difficulty finding transportation at that hour. Alternatively, practice would sometimes be held in the school gymnasium, but space constraints and the presence of other student-athletes made it a less than ideal environment for football players to train effectively.
With the pavilion in place, Coach Lasseter and his team no longer have to worry about canceling practice due to inclement weather or extreme heat. The pavilion offers a sheltered space where athletes can continue their training regardless of the conditions outside. By utilizing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) tool and following guidelines set by the Georgia High School Association, Coach Lasseter ensures that the safety and well-being of his players are always a top priority.
The impact of the pavilion is evident in the temperature difference between practicing on the field versus under the shelter. While temperatures on the field can soar into the upper 90s on a typical Georgia day, the pavilion provides a cooler environment with temperatures in the low 80s to upper 70s. This significant temperature reduction not only enhances the comfort of the athletes but also reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses during intense practice sessions.
Overall, Georgia’s proactive approach to implementing policies and providing necessary infrastructure, such as the pavilion in Heard County, sets a positive example for other states to follow. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of student-athletes, Georgia is leading the way in creating a safer environment for sports participation. The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for improving mental and emotional well-being. This ancient practice involves focusing on the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations. While mindfulness meditation has roots in Buddhism, it is now widely practiced by people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the past or future, individuals can experience a sense of calm and relaxation. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness meditation can also improve cognitive function. Studies have found that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can enhance attention, memory, and decision-making skills. By training the mind to focus on the present moment, individuals can become more effective at completing tasks and making important decisions.
Furthermore, mindfulness meditation can have a positive impact on physical health. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation in the body. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, mindfulness meditation can support overall health and well-being.
Another benefit of mindfulness meditation is its ability to enhance emotional regulation. By cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, individuals can develop greater emotional intelligence and resilience. This can help them to better cope with difficult emotions and navigate challenging situations with grace and composure.
Moreover, mindfulness meditation can foster a sense of connection and compassion towards oneself and others. By practicing self-compassion and empathy, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of kindness and understanding towards themselves and those around them. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of well-being.
Overall, the benefits of mindfulness meditation are vast and far-reaching. By incorporating this practice into one’s daily routine, individuals can experience improved mental and emotional well-being, enhanced cognitive function, better physical health, and greater emotional regulation. Whether practiced for just a few minutes a day or as part of a more extensive mindfulness program, mindfulness meditation has the potential to transform lives for the better.
