Illinois Modifies Policies On Heat And Football Practices

May 16, 2013 / Football
Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130508/sports/705089673/

The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors met via conference call on Wednesday, where they approved changes to IHSA Policy 13, which governs the regulations for safety and heat acclimatization for preseason football practices.

The revamped Policy came from a joint recommendation between the IHSA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and Football Advisory Committee (FAC). The two groups collaborated on the proposal at a meeting on April 17, which included presentations by representatives from the Korey Stringer Institute and the Sports Legacy Institute. A draft of the proposal was provided to the IHSA board of directors last week, who asked that it be made available to IHSA football coaches and athletic directors for feedback, before reconvening and adopting the policy on Wednesday afternoon.

“This policy is the result of a collaborative effort between the IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the Football Advisory Committee,” said SMAC committee member and University of Illinois Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Preston M. Wolin. “These guidelines are based on the most recent scientific evidence, as well as the expertise of the coaches who will help implement them. Both committees believe the guidelines represent a significant positive contribution to the health of our athletes.”

Key items in the Policy include daily and weekly practice time limits for players during the acclimatization period, as well as required durations of rest between practices. The policy also provides coaches with a day-by-day itinerary that outlines the practice limits and equipment allowed on each practice date, starting with the first day of practice.


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