SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) – The Springfield Blue Devils held a youth football camp on one of the hottest days of the year, and coaches say they are keeping the players hydrated.
The coaches say the best ways for players to stay safe is by staying hydrated while practicing, and by not overdoing the exercises.
"It can get very dangerous, I mean, you have to be careful, and uh. When the heat index is like today, you just want to be careful and cautious. I told the parents to bring extra water, to get these kids out of the weather every once in awhile. To get them cooled off and things like that which we have already built into the practice plans," said Coach Pat.
The young players practice for 45 minutes, and then take a 15 minute break in the shade. The coach says it is important to not overdo practices on extremely hot days.
"You know, if you don't get in as much work in. When you know your looking at the safety side of it, that's okay, it's not a big deal, you just want to take care of the kids," Coach Pat said.
Parents trust that the Blue Devils are taking the right safety measures for their kids.
"I'm comfortable having my child out here, out on the field, like Pat said, this is a family and they're going to treat our kids just like family," said parent Laura Bennett.
Even though the weather can be a concern, staying smart in this weather is the only thing parents can do.
"Heat like this is a little concerning, but as long as the parents play it smart and hydrate their child all day long, and bring them in for short breaks in the cool air, things like this shouldn't bother the kids," Bennett said.
The coach says it is important to keep an especially close eye on children when dealing with this type of heat. Fatigue is the first sign in knowing if a kid may need a break.
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