August 2023, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced that heat awareness was top priority of high school sports and performing arts as they began that fall.
As stated in this announcement, “In many states, the soaring temperatures have been garnering headlines for much of the summer. With heat indexes approaching or exceeding 100 degrees in some areas, coaches, administrators, and athletic trainers must take every precaution to avoid heat stress injuries or deaths.” “More than 3.5 million students will be involved in outdoor practices this month – football, cross country, soccer, field hockey and marching band – and heat awareness must be the first item addressed in the daily scheduling of events. Even volleyball teams practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning must be on guard.
For this assignment, research the importance of educating coaches and student athletes on the management of heat awareness, as well as protocols which should be used for the safety of all. A good start would be to review sources from the 2009 Stinson case (Louisville PRP High School