How are high schools protecting football players in the heat?

SALT LAKE CITY – A record high temperature of 103 degrees was set just yesterday in Salt Lake City. As football season kicks off, how can high school athletes stay cool, and safe, in the tough conditions?

All-time record high for September! Salt Lake City hit 103° this afternoon…and we will see many more chances to get just as hot going into next week. #utwx pic.twitter.com/7MZzVT3Lvb

— KSL Weather (@kslweather) September 4, 2022

Springville High School Athletic Trainer Lisa Walker spoke with KSL NewsRadio on how the high schools are taking steps to keep the student athletes competing at their highest level. 

“It’s not a new heat wave, we haven’t really had much relief.” Walker said. “Our players are, or should be, acclimatized. It is an everyday thing for them to be competing in this heat.”

Despite the players being used to the heat, counteractive measures are still in place for student safety. Hydration is stressed to the students and some high schools even bring ‘ice towels’ to help cool down if necessary.

“Every high school in Utah receives, free-of-charge, a Wet Bulb Globe temperature assessor.” Walker said. “So, the officials and schools are aware of when its too hot and when accommodations need to be made for the kids.”

Also, whenever timeouts are taken in high school games, extended water breaks will be rewarded to both teams in the contest.

These steps are taken to avoid things like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Related:

• Utah Girls Tackle Football League set to make history
• New device helps high school football players and other athletes stay safe in the heat