LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — High school football returns Friday night, but coaches have another concern heading into the season: keeping players safe in the heat.
Jefferson County Public Schools has rules for practices and games when temperatures are high. Coaches are expected to monitor players, make sure they have water and give them time to cool down.
Football coach Gary Wheeler said some players will keep going even after they're told to take a break.
"Twenty-four kids will be running, we'll be doing some running, we'll tell them, hey, get out, step out, get some water and they still wanna go," Wheeler said.
Coaches also remind players to speak up if they have a medical condition that could make exercising in the heat more difficult.
"I was telling them yesterday, if you got asthma, step out," Wheeler said.
JCPS athletic officials said coaches will continue watching players closely and following the district's heat protocols throughout the season.
The first games of the season are Friday night.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media and WAVE. All Rights Reserved.
