New rules in place for athletes | News

ALBANY, GA- As Georgia high school football teams hit the practice fields to get ready for the upcoming season, they must follow new rules designed to protect players.

Two Georgia players died following summer practices last year, including Fitzgerald High's D. J. Searcy.

And a study showed Georgia had more heat-related football deaths than any other state over a 15-year period.

The Georgia High School Association instituted new statewide safety rules.

This year High School football coaches will be required to think more about heat during conditioning workouts and practices and many teams already have begun their preparations.@

The Lee County High Trojans football team hits the field at 8:30 in the morning for conditioning workouts.

Senior starting quarterback Matt Mears started preparations for today's workout last night, hydrating. "I drink at least four or five bottles a day. And at least two big glasses. I mean we are out here so we get plenty of water while we're out here," Mears said.

Georgia High School football practice policy this year makes teams follow schedules depending on the heat and humidity levels, limiting the practice time and requiring cool down and rest breaks. The Trojans are already on the field, to get the players used to the heat.

 "The number one thing we are trying to do is acclimate them to the weather and the heat," said Lee County High Head Football Coach Dean Fabrizio. "And by starting in the morning when it's a little cooler, and then gradually, gradually doing more and more with them, we try to work our way up so that when school starts and we have to go in the afternoons, they are acclimated and used to the heat."

This year Georgia high schools will measure heat and humidity with wet bulb globe temperature devices, which measures heat, humidity, wind, and solar radiation, and use those readings to regulate length of practices and what equipment they will wear.

For South Georgia teams, it could make scheduling difficult. "If we have to go a little later in the day, or make some adjustments, we'll just make some adjustments and roll with it," Frabrizio said.

Lee County's trainer Brian Davis worked with the University of Georgia study the GHSA used to come up with their heat policy and he says acclimation and hydration are the keys to protecting players from heat related injuries.

 "Don't just drink now, during practice. You have to drink all day long. We've told them to eliminate their sodas and everything else from that standpoint," Davis said.

Water bottles are close during workouts, and breaks with cooling fans and water stands are mandatory. In just two weeks, July 25th , the teams can start to practice in helmets only but for most South Georgia teams the preparation for the 2012 season is already well underway.

Lee County kicks off their season visiting Dougherty High August 31st.

When the temperature tops 86º at practice, schools must have ice towels, spray ice water bottles, and cold immersion tubs ready in case players show signs of heat illness.

A reading over 92º means there can be no outdoor workout.

If a school violates the new heat policy, it can be fined anywhere from $500 to $1000.

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