Heat policy for Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation

 

The Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority has strict guidelines for when football practice starts Monday, Aug. 8. Each day, parks & rec will post a heat index (www.rfpra.com) and will define the practice restrictions according to the day's heat index.  Below are the procedures the agency follows. As far as baseball, softball and other fall sports – practices haven't begun yet but parks & rec will endorse a similar heat policy for these sports as well.

 

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Unified Football & Cheerleading Program

 

Policy on Practices in Excessive Heat Situations

 

The following procedures have been established to protect the youth of Rome-Floyd County as well as the volunteers that serve as coaches in this program.

 

Football Practice Procedures:

 

Level 1

Under 95 Degrees (Based on heat index)

·         Max time limit on practice: Preseason 120 minutes

          In Season   90 minutes

·         No restriction on equipment

·         20 minutes of drills followed by a 5 minute break with helmets removed

·         Serve plenty of water

 

Level 2

96-100 degrees (Based on heat index)

·         Max time limit on practice: Preseason   90-120 minutes

          In Season   90 minutes

·         Helmet and shorts only

·         20 minutes of drills followed by a 5 minute break with helmets removed

·         Serve plenty of water

 

Level 3

101-105 (Based on heat index)

·         Max time limit on practice: Preseason  90 minutes

          In Season   90 minutes

·         No restriction on equipment

·         10 minutes of drills followed by a 5 minute break with helmets removed

·         Serve plenty of water

 

Level 4

106 and above (Based on heat index)

·         NO OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

·         A decision will be made by 3:00 pm and posted on the RFPRA website (www.rfpra.com) and on rain line (706-290-9597) using current meteorological readings from all available resources.

·         Coaches are to remove shoulder pads and helmets during all water breaks

·         Breaks need to be at least 5 minutes or longer

·         Coaches need to provide plenty of water

·         No exception for water shortage during a practice session

·         Refer to NATA chart on youth football and heat related illness.