Heat Stress and Football

The start to the football season is just around the corner or has begun in some areas, but so is the summer heat. Heat stress in sport, especially football, during the summer is always a risk. Heat related injuries in football are preventable yet remain prevalent despite the proven research of hydration and athletic performance. Heat related injuries is not isolated to only football, all athletes in sports like soccer, running, triathlons, lacrosse, that occur during the heat of the summer are susceptible to heat stress injuries.

Football is singled out because of the high profile heat related injuries and deaths seen in the NFL and college football. Football players are at a greater risk because of the equipment players must where. The helmet, shoulder and leg padding traps heat in and doesn’t allow for heat evaporation.

Heat related injuries are caused by a combination of factors, hot and humid environment, strenuous exercises, clothing that limits evaporation of sweat, inadequate adaptation to the heat, too much body fat, lack of fitness and inadequate hydration. Heat related injuries are a serious medical condition and any athlete you suspect is suffering from a heat related injury should seek medical care immediately.

The symptoms to be aware of include; irritability, confusion, emotional instability or irrational behavior, fatigue, muscle cramp, vomiting, chills, goose bumps, shortness and shallow breathing and hyperventilation. Be aware of the amount of water players take in. Certain players say they don’t need water. The feeling of being thirsty is usually after the effects of dehydration have taken effect. Hydrated players perform better. Try to ensure your players understand that.

Prevention is the best medicine. How many times have we heard that? In the case of heat related injuries it is not only the best it is the only medicine to practice. Prevention and preparation are the keys to ensuring your players do not suffer from heat related injuries. Prevention includes acclimatization, hydration, pacing, cooling and common sense.

As coaches you need to prepare your team for the heat of the summer. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your team;

Acclimatization is the best way to prepare your players. Begin progressively the length of your training. Do your conditioning without equipment, then add additional equipment progressively. Do not train only in the evening. If your games are during the day and you train only at night, your players will not be ready for the heat.

Hydration ensures optimal performance. Make sure players drink regularly and often. Keep water available at all times. Do not scold a player for drinking water unscheduled. WATER DOES NOT GIVE CRAMPS, LACK OF WATER DOES. A player can lose up to 2% of his body weight in water during intense activity. If that is not replaced then you start the next practice at a deficit. Make sure players continue to drink water or flavored sports drinks between practices.
Football uniform contributes to the increased risk of heat related injuries. On very hot and humid days allow players to remove their helmets. Perform non-contact drills and allow removal of equipment. The football uniform does not allow for heat escape and sweat evaporation. Both key factors in reducing the risk of heat related injuries.

Large athletes and lack of fitness are both factors to increased risk of heat related illness. Be weary of these athletes. Pay special attention to their body weight prior to and after practice. Weight should be maintained and begin at baseline prior to each practice.

Cooler athletes perform better; provide shade, ice water, cooling and misting fans or hoses, increase break frequency and length during intense heat, reduce practice pace and length, provide longer rest between if doing two-a-days, change practice time for earlier in the day or later.