Young gridders must stay cool

For thousands of youth football league players around the country, summer means the beginning of preseason practice. To educate parents, coaches, and the players themselves on how to prevent heat-related illnesses during sweltering weather, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Dallas, has prepared "Guidelines on Heat Safety in Football." Recommendations include:

* Arrange proper medical coverage at all practices and games.

* Acclimate young athletes to the heat over a two-week period.

* Allow proper fluid replacement to maintain hydration.

* Weigh athletes before and after practices to monitor sweat loss and dehydration.

* Arrange practice and rest in shaded areas and during cooler times of the day.

* Provide proper rest periods during and in between practice session.

* Minimize the amount of equipment and clothing worn by players in hot and humid conditions, particularly during the acclimation period.

NATA's Age Specific Task Force also advises that all young players be permitted to remove their helmets during rest breaks. With the helmet on, the body's core temperature increases.

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