when to cancel football practice?

[momz]

Around my area , 100+ temperatures will NOT result in practices being canceled.

I am just reporting.

hahaha, apparently not in my area either. But, I think it should be. I'm a non-conformer.

 

[mickeysgal]

102 yesterday. The coach had the kids out there in full gear...pads, helmet, everything. 3rd graders!!!

Meanwhile....the high school soccer practice was cancelled because of the "dangerous heat" (coach's words).

Think of the difference here. The high school soccer team doesn't wear pads and helmets, is a very competitive team....vs....the 3rd grade football team, 8 year olds learning the sport in full gear. Sure they are competitive, but it's not the same, the point of sports at this age is to learn the game, develop character and the love of sport.

Needless to say, my son is not loving it, none of the kids are. They are hanging their heads, bending over with hands on knees, collapsing in a heap on all the breaks. My son didn't participate yesterday by the way.

How long were they in full gear? The entire practice time or a limited segment?

At some point, kids, if they're on a team and will be playing the sport, will need to acclimate to the heat. Doesn't matter if it's a junior football team, a high school band practicing in their uniforms, a cross-country runner running 10 miles, or the college football team. They need to learn how to cope with the heat. If they don't and then they play a game or run a race in the heat, if they're not used to the heat, that's when there could be major problems.

They usually train them gradually to build up the tolerance which is why I asked about the length of time in uniform.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Being out on a field getting heat stroke with a possible side of lightening...sounds like the "man" needs to get his priorities straight. Running around on a field with lightening in the area is just plain stupid.

 

[Disney Doll]

100+ degree heat and lightning are 2 reasons that practice should be cancelled.

You made the right decision OP.

 

[momz]

How long were they in full gear? The entire practice time or a limited segment?

At some point, kids, if they're on a team and will be playing the sport, will need to acclimate to the heat. Doesn't matter if it's a junior football team, a high school band practicing in their uniforms, a cross-country runner running 10 miles, or the college football team. They need to learn how to cope with the heat. If they don't and then they play a game or run a race in the heat, if they're not used to the heat, that's when there could be major problems.

They usually train them gradually to build up the tolerance which is why I asked about the length of time in uniform.

We're talking 8-9 year olds here. NOT a cross country runner going 10 miles, a high school band or a college football team. Those are situations that I am not making an opinion regarding. Although I find it interesting that the local high school soccer team cancelled their practice.

But to answer your questions. These 3rd graders are in gear the entire time. They may take their helmets off when they are talking with the coach. Also, practice is 1 1/2 hours. there is no shade on the practice field.

Practices are way more physically demanding than games by the way. Many more breaks during games, in between plays and what not. Practice is continual with calesthenics, running, pushing the sleds, running through the ladder drills, etc... Games are not as strenuous as practices in general. So, I still don't see the value in placing the kids in a dangerous situation for practice.

 

[luvsJack]

How long were they in full gear? The entire practice time or a limited segment?

At some point, kids, if they're on a team and will be playing the sport, will need to acclimate to the heat. Doesn't matter if it's a junior football team, a high school band practicing in their uniforms, a cross-country runner running 10 miles, or the college football team. They need to learn how to cope with the heat. If they don't and then they play a game or run a race in the heat, if they're not used to the heat, that's when there could be major problems.

They usually train them gradually to build up the tolerance which is why I asked about the length of time in uniform.

I understand the need for acclimating them to the heat but why is it that most high school coaches and jr. high coaches will cancel practice due to the heat but these little guys always end up practicing?

OP, you may want to prepare your ds for the fallout of not attending practice. Most of the coaches my kids had would have had them sitting the bench for not attending practice--unless it was excused. I would tell them to make sure they drank plenty of water or gatorade and to let the coach know if they were getting too hot.

 

[mickeysgal]

I understand the need for acclimating them to the heat but why is it that most high school coaches and jr. high coaches will cancel practice due to the heat but these little guys always end up practicing?

OP, you may want to prepare your ds for the fallout of not attending practice. Most of the coaches my kids had would have had them sitting the bench for not attending practice--unless it was excused. I would tell them to make sure they drank plenty of water or gatorade and to let the coach know if they were getting too hot.

I don't know why. That's why I said in a subsequent thread to find out what the league standards are, what the county standards are, and see if they are being followed for this age group. Practicing in full gear the entire time isn't right. Sometimes in our county, when the heat and humidity has been off the charts, the county issues a county-wide ban on practices. No iffs, ands, or buts. What league or governing body does this team practice under? That's where I'd start researching and asking the questions. That's why I also mentioned that some of these coaches need to be reminded - either they've been improperly trained or have forgotten what the health and safety standards are for their age group.

And just sometimes (and I'm certainly not saying it here), the moms and dads are a bit reactionary (child playing summer sports for the first time) and don't realize that the coaches are following the rules, they're watching the kids very closely, staying well within the health and safety guidelines, and are taking this very seriously. I've seen it at band many, many times.

 

[luvsJack]

I don't know why. That's why I said in a subsequent thread to find out what the league standards are, what the county standards are, and see if they are being followed for this age group. Practicing in full gear the entire time isn't right. Sometimes in our county, when the heat and humidity has been off the charts, the county issues a county-wide ban on practices. No iffs, ands, or buts. What league or governing body does this team practice under? That's where I'd start researching and asking the questions. That's why I also mentioned that some of these coaches need to be reminded - either they've been improperly trained or have forgotten what the health and safety standards are for their age group.

And just sometimes (and I'm certainly not saying it here), the moms and dads are a bit reactionary (child playing summer sports for the first time) and don't realize that the coaches are following the rules, they're watching the kids very closely, staying well within the health and safety guidelines, and are taking this very seriously. I've seen it at band many, many times.

Oh, ok, that's true about the different governing bodies, I didn't think about that. Our community league has their own policies and then they come under a State board/league. I don't know what they are but obviously very different from the school's policies.

I know when ds played baseball all summer long, the coaches were much more aware of the heat and what it would do to the kids than the parents realized.

Maybe the OP should question the coach about it.

 

[Mkrop]

Oh, ok, that's true about the different governing bodies, I didn't think about that. Our community league has their own policies and then they come under a State board/league. I don't know what they are but obviously very different from the school's policies.

I know when ds played baseball all summer long, the coaches were much more aware of the heat and what it would do to the kids than the parents realized.

Maybe the OP should question the coach about it.

Yes OP have you talked with the coach or look on the league's website on what exactly the policy is. Maybe the coach is not doing what he should be. But I think with heat there is only so much you can do, you can only take so many days off due to heat or the team wont be ready to go when game time comes around. Heatwaves are just that multiple days of heat...you can cancel camp everyday bc of heat, you can cancel maybe one day or make adjustments, maybe do early morning or early evening etc.

 

[declansdad]

Yes OP have you talked with the coach or look on the league's website on what exactly the policy is. Maybe the coach is not doing what he should be. But I think with heat there is only so much you can do, you can only take so many days off due to heat or the team wont be ready to go when game time comes around. Heatwaves are just that multiple days of heat...you can cancel camp everyday bc of heat, you can cancel maybe one day or make adjustments, maybe do early morning or early evening etc.

You don't have to take the day off, just take off the pads for a practice or part of the practice.

 

[momz]

Yes OP have you talked with the coach or look on the league's website on what exactly the policy is. Maybe the coach is not doing what he should be. But I think with heat there is only so much you can do, you can only take so many days off due to heat or the team wont be ready to go when game time comes around. Heatwaves are just that multiple days of heat...you can cancel camp everyday bc of heat, you can cancel maybe one day or make adjustments, maybe do early morning or early evening etc.

I have not spoken with the coach. The league website does not address heat at all. This is not a typical summer. I just think that the league is continuing to operate as though it is a typical summer and has not prepared a plan for dealing with the record temperatures.

I found a helpful link that gives suggestions on ways to keep athletes cool. It also address the football culture of this country specifically.

http://news.yahoo.com/ultimate-guide-protecting-football-players-heat-stress-090228334.html

I'm taking responsibility for my son's safety in the heat. I'm thinking of sharing this link with the coach. But, I'm concerned about what the consequences could be for my son if I make a fuss over this. It's one thing to avoid practice on the days that are dangerous, but it's another to directly question the powers that be (but that's a completely different conversation about the culture of football).

 

[sam_gordon]

I have not spoken with the coach. The league website does not address heat at all. This is not a typical summer. I just think that the league is continuing to operate as though it is a typical summer and has not prepared a plan for dealing with the record temperatures.

I found a helpful link that gives suggestions on ways to keep athletes cool. It also address the football culture of this country specifically.

http://news.yahoo.com/ultimate-guide-protecting-football-players-heat-stress-090228334.html

I'm taking responsibility for my son's safety in the heat. I'm thinking of sharing this link with the coach. But, I'm concerned about what the consequences could be for my son if I make a fuss over this. It's one thing to avoid practice on the days that are dangerous, but it's another to directly question the powers that be (but that's a completely different conversation about the culture of football).

I think you need to talk to the coach. Don't be confrontational, simply say you're concerned about the boys practicing in pads in heat, and ask him if there's a certain temperature where he WOULD call off (or reduce) practice.

 

[Colleen27]

DI'm not sure about your league, but the youth league DS played in had requirements for a minimum number of pad-practice hours each player had to have before playing in games. Cancelling practices for heat or running no-pad practices could get in the way of that minimum, which is established for safety reasons, so many coaches prefer to run practice as usual but with more frequent breaks and more hydration measures rather than cancelling entirely.

High school soccer wouldn't be subject to similar rules, and it is harder to run "light" soccer practice from what I've seen with my kids' teams. Soccer practice aims to get them used to extended periods of intense activity, while football and baseball are more "burst" type activities and as such better suited to having a productive practice despite more breaks.

 

[Mkrop]

You don't have to take the day off, just take off the pads for a practice or part of the practice.

I dont disagree, have practice with limited pads or more frequent breaks

I have not spoken with the coach. The league website does not address heat at all. This is not a typical summer. I just think that the league is continuing to operate as though it is a typical summer and has not prepared a plan for dealing with the record temperatures.

I found a helpful link that gives suggestions on ways to keep athletes cool. It also address the football culture of this country specifically.

http://news.yahoo.com/ultimate-guide-protecting-football-players-heat-stress-090228334.html

I'm taking responsibility for my son's safety in the heat. I'm thinking of sharing this link with the coach. But, I'm concerned about what the consequences could be for my son if I make a fuss over this. It's one thing to avoid practice on the days that are dangerous, but it's another to directly question the powers that be (but that's a completely different conversation about the culture of football).

I would talk to the coach bc either way he is seeing your son NOT at the practices and he will most likely get less playing time bc he is not conditioned, does not know the plays and could get hurt.

Also we have had heatwaves practically every summer, and those in the South deal with these temps all the time. We had a 9 day heatwave in June, should no practices of any sport not happened in those 9 days...no they should have adjusted to the heat accordingly.

I think you need to talk to the coach. Don't be confrontational, simply say you're concerned about the boys practicing in pads in heat, and ask him if there's a certain temperature where he WOULD call off (or reduce) practice.

DI'm not sure about your league, but the youth league DS played in had requirements for a minimum number of pad-practice hours each player had to have before playing in games. Cancelling practices for heat or running no-pad practices could get in the way of that minimum, which is established for safety reasons, so many coaches prefer to run practice as usual but with more frequent breaks and more hydration measures rather than cancelling entirely. High school soccer wouldn't be subject to similar rules, and it is harder to run "light" soccer practice from what I've seen with my kids' teams. Soccer practice aims to get them used to extended periods of intense activity, while football and baseball are more "burst" type activities and as such better suited to having a productive practice despite more breaks.

What I have been saying all along, it is for safety.

OP what about the opposite extreme, is your kid going to be allowed to play when it is extremely cold or pouring down rain. Football plays in almost all kinds of weather around here. Our championship game was played at night on one of the coldest days we had in Nov, I think it was a record low for that month. And rain games are fun for the kids, they love the "mud bowls"

 

[ohiomom28]

102 yesterday. The coach had the kids out there in full gear...pads, helmet, everything. 3rd graders!!!

Meanwhile....the high school soccer practice was cancelled because of the "dangerous heat" (coach's words).

Think of the difference here. The high school soccer team doesn't wear pads and helmets, is a very competitive team....vs....the 3rd grade football team, 8 year olds learning the sport in full gear. Sure they are competitive, but it's not the same, the point of sports at this age is to learn the game, develop character and the love of sport.

Needless to say, my son is not loving it, none of the kids are. They are hanging their heads, bending over with hands on knees, collapsing in a heap on all the breaks. My son didn't participate yesterday by the way.

The league they play for should have rules regarding the cancellation due to the heat.

 

[RhondaL]

My ten year old son had football practice last night. It was the first one and the temp was over 100 degrees. It was not full pads just conditioning. I was nervous but he said they took lots of drink breaks. Still, several kids threw up. They were told not to eat til after practice and drink water all day. Last year they practiced in the rain but watched game film if it was lightning.

It's crazy here, the team practices Monday through Fridays. Some Saturdays then games on Sunday. Practice is officially from 5:30 until 7:30. But you have to be there 20 minutes early to warm up or you are late and have to run. Then they huddle up at 7:30 to discuss for 15 minutes before they dismiss.

My son loves it though, so Go, Raiders!

 

[tvguy]

We're talking 8-9 year olds here. NOT a cross country runner going 10 miles, a high school band or a college football team. .

No disrespect, but I honestly have a bigger issue with 8 and 9 year olds playing tackle football than I do with them practicing in hot weather. That is just too young in my opinion.

 

[momz]

Exercising in extreme cold is not the same as exercising in extreme heat. Really, it isn't. The kids can layer up and the exertion works in favor of counteracting the environment when it's cold. Not so in the heat. They cannot remove the equipment and the exertion exacerbates the affects of the environment.

Just to give some more insight, this is not my son's first year of football. He played full pads/full contact last year and had 2 years of flag before that. He's not a wimpy kid and I'm not a helicopter parent. He has played in cold temps which is not a big deal.

Clearly, we do not live in a southern state and 100 degree temps is not the norm.

We also play hockey, in fact football and hockey seasons overlap somewhat.

The cold is no big deal. The heat most certainly is!! We don't go to disney in the summer either, don't know how you all stand it.

 

[justhat]

Not 8-9 year olds in 100 degree heat. Any coach that stupid to run practice in that heat may be stupid enough to stick to no/limited water during practice that people used to do. Football for kids that age is not that important.

I actually agree with you on many of the points you make here. Except when it comes to the heat. My opinion is also that the kids need learn to play safely. And I consider the heat to be a threat to their safety. There are no options for playing indoors by the way.

I appreciated the link in a previous post regarding the safe limits of practice in regards to high temperatures. This further confirms that we made the correct decision.

I think that people don't realize that extreme heat is a threat to safety with different consequences than an injury, but is a threat none the less.

Plus, don't forget that we are talking about 8-9 year olds. Not a uber competive high school or college team.

Am enjoying this debate...

Exercising in extreme cold is not the same as exercising in extreme heat. Really, it isn't. The kids can layer up and the exertion works in favor of counteracting the environment when it's cold. Not so in the heat. They cannot remove the equipment and the exertion exacerbates the affects of the environment.

Just to give some more insight, this is not my son's first year of football. He played full pads/full contact last year and had 2 years of flag before that. He's not a wimpy kid and I'm not a helicopter parent. He has played in cold temps which is not a big deal.

Clearly, we do not live in a southern state and 100 degree temps is not the norm.

We also play hockey, in fact football and hockey seasons overlap somewhat.

The cold is no big deal. The heat most certainly is!! We don't go to disney in the summer either, don't know how you all stand it.

Okay, regarding the heat comments, we live in Tucson, AZ. It is 100+ degrees pretty much every day from April 1 - October 31. We have no shade as the largest trees around are more like shrubs. If we cancelled practices for 100 degree temps, we would never practice.

This year my 5yo son played lacrosse, which is similar in gear to football. Helmet with face mask, mouth guard, shoulder, chest, arm pads, padded gloves, cups, etc. They can wear short, unlike football pants, but have to wear full arm pads so that pretty much makes up for the legs. Lacrosse season started in April and ended June 30th. for the 5-9yos, there were no games at all. Just practices, 3 days a week. Sundays were at 11am till June, then they moved them to 9am. Tues/Thurs practices were 6-7:30pm. At all of those times, it was over 95 degrees. We sent him with lots of water and he was fine. Sweaty, but fine. And he LOVED lacrosse. His lax season overlapped with the summer swim season and my son actually chose to sweat in lax practice over going to swim meets. So playing in the heat doesn't necessarily mean the kids won't enjoy it.

Soccer/Football season for high schoolers has started here, with the little kids to follow shortly, mid-August. School starts by 8/13 (some as early 8/2), and they'll have practices/PE classes/etc. outside.

So here, if we didn't play in the heat, we simply wouldn't get to play.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Here the no lightning rule is universal - if you can hear the thunder, the storm is too close to hold practice/games. That's been true for football, baseball, and soccer, at every level from 4/5 rec on through to high school. At the higher levels they might move practice indoors if there is a facility available, but they don't just ignore the lightning and hold practice as usual.

The heat, on the other hand, is something they just work through. Coaches will hold lighter duty practices, no contact drills so they don't have to be in pads, less strenuous calisthenics, etc. along with increased emphasis on hydration and more breaks than usual, but they don't cancel for heat. Since the month they have (under athletic association rules) to get ready for the season is the hottest month of the year they make the most of the time they have, and that means finding ways to continue to practice safely even in the summer heat.

This