Late summer heat wave likely to alter outdoor practices for Kentucky school sports squads
Originally published by WEKU.
A late summer heat wave will likely alter the way Kentucky public school athletic squads practice this week. Larry Poynter is the athletics director at Tates Creek High School and a former assistant football coach there. He said they follow heat index guidelines from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
“When we reach certain levels, there’s certain criteria. So you know, it starts off with, you know, take off your equipment, and then extra water breaks. And then, you know, if it reaches a point to, you know, over like, I think it’s 104, we have to basically go back inside or just cancel practice.”
Poynter said he received an email from the district’s athletics director Monday morning advising him to make sure coaches keep an eye on the heat this week. Poynter played football for the Commodores more than 30 years ago.
“I can’t imagine we ever took a day off because of heat, but things have changed. And you know, the safety and well-being of our athletes is number one. We want them to be safe. And this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience being a high school athlete. It’s the safety that’s most important.”
Highs in the upper 90s are predicted for Tuesday through Thursday and Poynter said he won’t be surprised if district officials call off outdoor practices at least one day this week.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
