Heat is a fierce foe for teams

No one needs to be told it is extremely hot – just step outside and the heat is at times overwhelming.
But then add full football equipment in the middle of the afternoon and the situation becomes even more serious for those on the practice fields.
Eunice High head coach Paul Trosclair said his staff is constantly watching their players and giving them all the water breaks they need.
“We try to get them acclimated to the heat, but we have to keep them hydrated,” the coach said.
“If we have any doubts about a player, we take him out.
“We don’t want to take chances with heat and a player – we have to be very careful. Any time they need water, we give it to them.”
Trosclair said his student athletic trainers are very important part of his football staff.
“They are invaluable,” he said. “They tape ankles before practice and deal with the equipment and uniforms afterwards.
“They are responsible for all the hydration of players,” Trosclair said. “You can’t put a price tag on them,” he said. “They are very important at both practice and games.”
St. Edmund head coach Thomas David also said the summer workouts help prepare his players, but the heat is unavoidable.
“It is harder to cool off with all the gear on,” David said. “We watch them all the time and try to protect the kids from any kind of heat issues.”
David also praised his student trainers for their tireless support of the football team.
“They have gone through a training class at McNeese and have learned from our local certified athletic trainers Michael Driggs and Glenn Brown,” David said.
“With several seniors leading the way, they know what are doing,” David said. “They can do ice baths at the end of practice and make sure there is a consistent supply of water at practices.”
David said the trainers watch to make sure all the players are drinking after every drill and at every station.
“Our trainers are a vital part of our team.”
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association joined in the heat discussion as the teams began practices around the state.
The LHSAA reminded parents, coaches and student athletes of the dangers of heat-related illnesses. There are several types of heat illness, but athletes are specifically at risk of exertional heat stroke, which is caused by intense exercise in the heat.
The LHSAA, in conjunction with our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, have put together these points of emphasis regarding student-athlete safety:
* It is extremely important to be hydrated before, during, and after practice and/or physical activity.
When possible, adjust starting times and practice times to avoid the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 AM and 5 PM). If unable to do so, adjust work-to-rest ratios.
* Ensure that appropriate medical treatment equipment (e.g. immersion tub, accurate temperature measurement device, and water/ice) is available and ready for use in the event that an athlete has any heat related illness.
* Ensure that all athletes are weighed in the same clothes (Shorts and T-Shirt) right before and immediately after practice to determine if weight loss occurred during practice. Keep a chart so it is easy to determine the weight loss and percent loss. A loss of 1-2% of body weight can hinder performance. There is a significant increase for risk of exertional heat-related illness if the person has a 3% or greater loss of body weight from their pre-workout weight. This is why it is important to be hydrated properly when practice starts. If someone starts practice all ready in a dehydrated state, the problems can happen faster.
* Remember that all athletes sweat at different rates and lose different amounts of salt in the sweat. This can make someone more susceptible to a heat illness different than other athletes. Protective equipment (like helmets, shoulder pads, other coverings), and dark or heavy clothing can make someone susceptible to heat illness as it increases body temperature and sweat loss (leading to dehydration).
* Hydration is very important. Make sure you have plenty of water and you may need an electrolyte (6-8% carbohydrate formula is the maximum) sport drink. The electrolyte drink is important if the exercise session is longer than one hour. Make sure there are sufficient hydration breaks for the environment. ENERGY DRINKS are not electrolyte drinks and should not be used for hydration before, during, or after activity. Ensure that athletes have access to water and/or sports drinks and are allowed water breaks throughout practice. Athletes should be encouraged to drink fluids throughout practice, and at no point should an athlete be refused fluids. Water should be accessible, bountiful, and chilled, and athletes should have plenty of time to consume it. If athletes become dehydrated, this can completely negate the advantages gained with heat acclimatization.