Even though summer break lingers on, the excitement of fall sports is already palpable for numerous student athletes in Savannah, Georgia.
Local teams are gearing up for the upcoming season, all while contending with the intense summer heat that the region is known for.
“Indeed, practice sessions are in full swing,” said John Sanders, the head of health, physical education, and athletics at the Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS).
Within SCCPSS, robust protocols are implemented to protect athletes from experiencing heat-induced health issues during their outdoor training sessions in these sweltering conditions.
According to Sanders, one essential guideline is the use of the wet bulb measurement scale, which evaluates factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, the angle of the sun, and cloud coverage.
“If the number is over 86, they have certain restrictions that they have to follow,” he said. “So 86 to 92, there are different restrictions. Once they get to 92, then they’re not able to practice outside at that point.”
Along with following these guidelines, Sanders said there are many athletic trainers on standby if someone needs help.
“Generally, they’re there at practices for those situations,’ he said. “Schools are required to have ice baths with ice in them, so if a kid gets overheated, they can immediately put them in ice baths, and they also have, you know, access to 911 if it gets too serious where they need to call for extra help.”
Whether it’s shooting hoops or running drills, Sanders’ tip for student-athletes remains the same.
“Stay hydrated,” he said.
Sanders added that if parents have any concerns regarding their student athletes participating in the heat, he wants to remind them of the guidelines they have to follow. He wants them to know they have the staff and tools to keep the athletes safe.