By Katina’s Klassroom Board Members
The first whistle blows just after sunrise.
Across Mississippi, baseball diamonds, football fields, soccer pitches and recreation parks come alive as young athletes lace up their cleats, adjust their helmets and race onto the field. Parents fill water bottles, coaches gather their teams and another day of summer practice begins.
But before the first pass, swing or sprint, coaches are paying attention to something more important than the scoreboard.
They’re watching the temperature.
Mississippi summers are known for intense heat and humidity, making hydration and heat safety essential for every young athlete. While practices often begin early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day, experts say preparation starts long before children step onto the field.
“Drink water at least an hour before physical activity and take mandatory shaded cooling breaks every 20 minutes,” said Dr. Will Carter.
Those simple habits can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, two conditions that can develop quickly during outdoor activities.
Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies do not cool themselves as efficiently as adults. That’s why coaches, parents and caregivers all play an important role in recognizing the warning signs.
Early symptoms may include heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, unusual fatigue or irritability. If a child begins showing these signs, adults should move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, encourage them to drink cool water and allow them to rest before returning to activity. If symptoms become severe or the child becomes confused or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Hydration doesn’t begin when practice starts. Experts recommend children drink water throughout the day, especially before heading outdoors.
While sports drinks may help during prolonged, high-intensity activities, water remains the best choice for most practices and recreational games.
Coaches across Mississippi are also adapting their schedules to protect young athletes. Many leagues have moved practices to the early morning or evening hours, increased the number of water breaks and shortened workouts when temperatures climb.
These changes are about more than comfort. They’re about making sure every child can enjoy sports safely while developing healthy habits that last long after the season ends.
Parents can help by sending children to practice wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing when appropriate, packing a reusable water bottle and reminding them that asking for a water break is always the right decision. Children should never feel pressured to “push through” symptoms of overheating.
Summer sports teach teamwork, discipline and confidence.
They should also teach young athletes how to listen to their bodies.
Because the best seasons begin with healthy players.
Coach’s Corner
Winning starts with preparation.
- Schedule practices during the coolest parts of the day whenever possible.
- Build mandatory water breaks into every practice.
- Watch every athlete for signs of heat-related illness.
- Encourage players to speak up if they feel dizzy, tired or overheated.
- Lead by example by making hydration a team priority.
Parent Play
This week, let your child choose a reusable water bottle they enjoy using.
Practice drinking water together throughout the day, not just before games or practices. Making hydration part of the family’s daily routine helps young athletes develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Champion Challenge
Before every outdoor activity this week, have your child drink a full glass of water. Then challenge them to refill their water bottle at least twice during practice.
Small habits lead to big victories.
Did You Know?
Children can become dehydrated before they ever feel thirsty. That’s why experts recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until thirst sets in.
Coming Next
Raising Champions
Part 2: Strong Starts: Why Fundamentals Matter More Than Winning
Learn why coaches say mastering the basics today helps young athletes become stronger, safer and more confident tomorrow.
Presented by Katina’s Klassroom: With Books You Can Go Places. #READ.
