With USA Today reporting daily highs in the 90’s, August is known as the hottest month of the year. While many people choose to stay in the air conditioning, football players are gearing up for their upcoming season. Many times players must practice in full pads twice a day with the 100 degree heat index. Two-a-days have become a staple in football on every level. With grueling practices in the extreme heat comes several risks. According to USA Today there have 51 deaths from heat strokes during two-a-days alone in the past 15 years.

So far, ten states have taken action and limited two-a-days. Those restrictions vary from state to state but high school teams must follow them for the safety of their players. The NCAA has also taken action. In 2003, the NCAA banned multiple practices on consecutive days, on these days players cannot practice for more than five hours total with no team activities during their rest period between practices. The National Football League has also taken action against multiple practices a day. In 2011, under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL banned two-a-days.

The emphasis on high school students is that they are at higher risk of injury. Teenagers’ bodies are not fully developed and high school athletes are more likely to “push through” the heat and fatigue than take the necessary care of their bodies.  Though Nebraska does not have any laws that restrict two-a-days, high school coaches are taking action to keep kids safe. This season, Westside football only held three two-a-days with seven hours of rest in between. Varsity Football coach Brett Froendt does not think two-a-days should be restricted.

“I think every school should monitor their own program” Froendt said.

Though that is the case now, it is likely more than the ten current states will implement restrictions on two-a-days. Even with fewer two-a-days than usual, the Warriors are still prepared for the upcoming season. More summer camp days took place this year to ensure the team was not getting shorted practice time.