Tips to Keep Athletes Safe and Healthy During Football Practices

August 5, 2002

Augusta, GA – Football season is quickly approaching, and the summer heat is here. During practice and competition, athletes can lose approximately three liters of fluid per hour of intense activity. In light of the tragedies of 2001 that happened to several high-profile football players, the MCG Sports Medicine Center would like to offer these suggestions for keeping athletes performing at their best without suffering from heat-related illnesses.

• Athletes should be given a few days to acclimate to extremely hot and humid weather.
• Two-a-days should be limited to every other day to allow athletes to replenish fluid lost on the previous day’s practice.
• Practices, especially intense practices, should be scheduled for early in the morning or late evenings to avoid the mid-day heat.
• The amount of equipment and clothing worn in hot and humid conditions should be limited, especially during two-a-days.
• Athletes should be given plenty of rest breaks, with proper hydration and shading.
• Coaches should weigh athletes before and after practice to monitor fluid loss (sweat rate). Loss of more than 3% of body weight is a red flag.
• Athletes should replace every pound lost with 16 fl. oz. of water or a sports drink.
• Be sure that athletes consume 5-10 fl. oz. of water or a sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise to offset their calculated fluid loss.
• Two hours before exercising, athletes should consume 20 fl. oz. of water or a sports drink even if they are not thirsty. Fluid loss should be replenished within two hours after practice.
• Athletes should perform the most strenuous drills at the beginning of practice when athletes are fresh.
• Athletes should eat proper meals and avoid beverages with caffeine.

"Remember that heat-related illness can strike any athlete and even coaches. Overweight athletes are at higher risk of developing heat illness and dehydration. By implementing these guidelines, coaches can help keep their athletes healthy and performing at their best," advised Dr. Joel Brenner, Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine, MCG Sports Medicine Center.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.