LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Temperatures around Louisville are approaching 100 degrees this week, creating a dangerous environment for after-school activities, especially soccer and football practices.
At Valley High School on Tuesday, soccer practice was held in the gym, a necessary sacrifice to keep players and coaches safe. Dr. April Brooks, athletic director for Jefferson County Public Schools, said the district recommended practice changes Sunday.
Dr. April Brooks, athletic director for Jefferson County Public Schools. Aug. 27, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
"When I saw this weekend that we were going to have a big heat wave coming in this week, it was necessary for us to make sure that we took some precautions for all of our student-athletes," Brooks said Tuesday.
Brooks uses a heat stress tracker to monitor conditions outside. If it's higher than 95 degrees, they'll start including more breaks in practice, making sure the athletes have shade, cooling towels and plenty of water.
Ally Schum, an athletic trainer for JCPS, said, in addition to monitoring the temperature, it's important to know and keep an eye on the student-athletes.
"I am looking for extreme fatigue, which can sometimes be hard to see because everybody thinks they're tired all of the time," Schum said. "I'm looking for confusion, lightheadedness (and) gradual onset of a headache."
Medical experts recommend minimizing your exposure to the sun whenever possible and stay hydrated. Choose plain water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes when possible. Wear light clothing and stay indoors with AC when possible.
"It just shows how important it is to constantly monitor this, especially when we are dealing with a heat issue," Schum said. "Because 1 degree difference can be life or death for an athlete."
It’s hot! So JCPS athletics teams are practicing before school or after 6 pm. Taking “wet bulb” air temps and having trainers, ice tubs and lots of water on hand will keep our student athletes healthy and safe. @JCPS_AD pic.twitter.com/zG6cFVLhFv
— JCPS (@JCPSKY) August 27, 2024
Whether it's the heat stress tracker or an ice tub, JCPS officials said they have school covered. But parents should also be involved.
"We want to remind parents also to make sure that kids are hydrating at home and eating at home to make sure that their bodies are fueled for practices and extreme heat," Brooks said.
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