Meridian, MS - As the heat continues to rise, and students prepare to go back to school, football programs in Mississippi are starting to implement safety protocols. The Mississippi High School Activities Association has mandated the use of the wetbulb globe temperature for high school football programs, the device is used to measure temperature, direct sunlight, humidity, wind, and air pressure, in hopes to keep students safe when practicing.
“The only time we’ll be able to practice will be in the afternoon, and they have different ranges set up for how many breaks you need to take, what you can wear, how long you can practice, then when it gets to a certain point, you got to get them off the field.” says John Douglass
John Douglass is the Head Football Coach of Northeast Lauderdale High School and encourages players to stay safe and hydrated during the heat. “We’re already talking to them about it, about drinking more water, trying to stay away from carbonated drinks, and caffeinated beverages and things like that.”
Players Gabriel Creekmore, and Jase Jimison focus on staying hydrated while being out in the heat.
“Just got to make sure to dink enough water and stay active.” - Gabriel Creekmore
“We have plenty of breaks and we have water out here all the time, and all that.” - Jase Jimison
Despite the heat, Couch Douglass looks forward to future practices. “We’ll monitor it before we go out, one of our coaches on staff will be responsible for monitoring during practice and if it gets out of range, we’ll have to come inside.”
Coach Douglass says that as temperatures get hotter, the safety of the players remains the main priority.
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