Henry County

How to prepare and stay safe now that football practice is starting

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — High school football practice officially starts on Tuesday, and right now, metro area schools are preparing to keep kids safe from heat and humidity.

This afternoon, Channel 2’s Craig Lucie went to Henry County and spoke with an athletic director and coach who showed off a tool to keep athletes safe outside.

Every Georgia high school football coach will keep a WetBulb Globe Temperature meter in their pocket when practice kicks off Tuesday. The meter, set by the Georgia High School Association, allows coaches to determine the water breaks for their athletes, and it comes with a scale for them to follow.

Edward Senter, athletic director of Dutchtown High School, says certain temperatures require certain lengths for breaks.

“If it's reading 79, this requires a normal water break ---15-20 minutes,” Senter said.

If the meter reads more than 92, practice is called off or delayed.

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Dr. Curt Miller, coordinator for athletics and physical education for Henry County Schools, said it is important for parents and coaches to make sure their student athletes are staying hydrated this week.

The players will practice in their helmets but without pads on Tuesday, to get acclimated to the heat and humidity. On Aug. 1, however, they will be wearing full pads on the football field.

“They’ve all been working hard,” Miller said. “Lifting weights, getting kids used to heat to prep for football season."

At Dutchtown High School and several other Henry County schools, coaches are trying to keep their players cool with brand new turf fields.

“Green beads, cool beads keep the temperature down,” Senter said.

Coaches said their players will get at least four breaks each hour during practice.

“Student-athletes carrying water allows them to replenish their fluids throughout the day," Miller said.