Wet bulb globe temperature, or WBGT, is one number that combines air temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight, and published heat policies use that number to tell a coach when to add breaks, remove equipment, shorten practice, or stop. The thresholds differ by region, so a coach needs the table for the right part of the country. Four news stories from July and August 2026 show why the reading...
Heat acclimatization is the two-week ramp that lowers a young athlete’s risk of exertional heat stroke, and the first practice of the season is where it matters most. Two football players died in August 2026 after collapsing at or after that first practice. A 17-year-old senior lineman at Lake Travis High School in Texas collapsed at about 8 a.m. during the team’s first practice on...
Bullying in team sports not only harms individual athletes but also erodes the foundation of trust, respect, and camaraderie that teams are built upon. Young athletes rely on supportive environments to develop physically, mentally, and socially. When bullying is allowed to persist, it disrupts learning, discourages participation, and compromises athlete well-being. A clear, enforceable zero...
Understanding and Implementing Concussion Protocols in Youth Sports Picture a young athlete on the sidelines, frustrated and worried after a hard hit to the head. Their friends are back on the field, but they are told to rest and recover. The urge to play is strong, but the risks of rushing back are even greater. Concussions are not just a professional sports problem—they are a reality for young...