Mississippi schools limit outside practice time amid high heat

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippians will soon enjoy high school football under the Friday night lights. With high temperatures in the forecast, top athletic officials want to make sure athletes are not at risk for any heat-related injuries.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is what the Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) uses to determine if it’s safe enough for football teams to practice outdoors. It’s formed by averaging the heat index, humidity and air temperature.

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Although football is a contact-driven sport, top athletic officials want to cut back on contact during the high temperatures.

“We limit full contact work, and that’s been done over the years. We have taken every step possible. We feel like they’re educating our coaches, our schools and our athletes through our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and about what we put out in this office to ensure to parents that we are doing this as safe as possible,” explained Rickey Neaves, executive director of the MHSAA.

Football season for MHSAA kicks off on August 30, 2024.

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