Extreme Caution For Football In Extreme Heat

In the last week, four high school football players in the south died because of heat-related illinesseses. This type of tragedy seems to happen ever year as players work out in extreme temperatures to get ready for the upcoming season. It's an issue not lost on New Canaan head football coach, .

"It's alarming, you definitely don't want something like that happening on your watch," said Marinelli, who is getting ready for his 31st season coaching the Rams. "It's not worth it. We take extensive measures to ensure that it doesn't happen here."

Every coach in the state has to be certified in first aid and must adhere to strict guidelines imposed by the Football programs are required to have one week of conditioning drills before they can move into full-pads and double-sessions.

"Things have definitely changed," said Marinelli. "In the old days, you might have one water break and the kids couldn't take off their helmets. The safety of the kids is the number one priority. They can get water anytime they want and there are water stations on both sides of the field. And we are lucky to have Diane."

Diane is Diane Murphy-Kivell, the long-time head trainer for She is always at practice and responsible for educating the coaches and players on heat exhaustion, dehydration, and the signs to look out for when practicing in the brutal heat.

"I usually have a meeting with the football team and we review heat illness prevention," said Murphy. "They are encouraged to hydrate and have adequate rest.  Athletes are told to watch the color of their urine, light colored means your hydrated but if it's dark, they may be dehydrated.  I also tell them if they are not feeling well to say something right away so we can take care of the situation before it becomes critical.

Marinelli has never had a serious heat-related incident in his entire coaching career. Some coaches want their players to be tested and  "toughened" up by practicing in the extreme heat. The Rams coach never lets ego get in the way and would much rather be incredibly safe than terribly sorry.

"If it gets really hot out, we will schedule practice early in the morning or later at night," Marinelli said. "And there are times when we'll go into the gym where it's air-conditioned."

Marinelli and the athletic department bring in health experts before camp begins to warn players about everything from using highly-caffeinated energy drinks to over-the-counter products designed to boost performance. Combined with physical exertion and the extreme heat, these products can be dangerous to the well-being of the athletes.

"There are so many new things out there," Marinelli said. "We have to make sure that we educate the players about everything."

Marinelli and the Rams begin conditioning drills on August 22.