School districts prioritizing Heat Safety for students

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Casey Dick, head coach of the Fayetteville High School football team, is making heat safety a priority for his program’s operations this season.

Dick said that the safety of his players is a top priority, particularly amid the hot summer temperatures that can pose significant risks to athletes.

“Our entire staff takes heat safety very seriously,” Dick said. “When weather conditions are deemed unsafe, our athletic department will utilize our indoor facility for all sports practices and activities.”

In addition to using indoor facilities during extreme weather, Fayetteville’s football program has implemented several measures to safeguard players. The team enforces multiple water breaks throughout each practice session and ensures that water is readily accessible on the sidelines at all times.

Dick also stressed the importance of students maintaining their health outside of practice.

“We encourage our players to drink about a gallon of water a day and ensure they have proper meals before practices. Sleep is crucial as well. We remind them to limit screen time, including video games, to get adequate rest,” he said.

Pea Ridge High School is also intensifying its focus on student-athlete safety. Brandon Craig, the school’s athletic director, revealed that this year, all band members must undergo physical examinations to participate in school activities. Additionally, Pea Ridge coaches are required to complete various courses through the Arkansas Activities Association, covering topics such as heat illness, CPR, and first aid.

“We’ve hired a full-time trainer whose primary role is to monitor the health and safety of our athletes,” Craig said.

“This includes overseeing environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, as well as watching for incoming storms. It’s essential that our athletes are healthy both on and off the field.”

Craig emphasized that teaching athletes about maintaining their health outside of practice is just as important as the physical training they receive.

“We have several tools in place to keep our students hydrated and safe,” he added.

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