From Kick-off to Final Whistle: The Weather Strategy Guide for High School Football

In high school football, ambition and developmental physiology meet. Unlike in professional sports, the focus must be not only on performance but, above all, on the health of adolescents. The weather is a decisive, often underestimated factor that determines victory, defeat, and, most importantly, safety. A strategic approach to weather is essential for every responsible coach and teacher.

1. The Gear: More Than Just a Jersey

The right equipment is the first line of defense against the elements.

• In Heat: Light, bright, and breathable jerseys (synthetic). Sunscreen is mandatory. Players should be encouraged to put wet towels on their necks during breaks.
• In Cold: The layering principle is crucial. A tight-fitting functional base layer under the jersey keeps the core warm. Thin gloves and a neck gaiter can make a big difference at temperatures around freezing.
• In Rain: Water-repellent training jackets during warm-ups. The right footwear is important: screw-in studs offer significantly more grip on deep, wet grass than molded cleats and can reduce the risk of injury.

2. Nutrition and Hydration: The Fuel for Any Weather

The body reacts differently under stress at different temperatures.

• Game Day in Heat (>25°C / 77°F): Hydration starts the day before. On game day, drink small amounts of water regularly. Isotonic drinks help replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Light, carbohydrate-rich meals (pasta, rice) 2-3 hours before the game are ideal.
• Game Day in Cold (<5°C / 41°F): The body uses extra energy to stay warm. Complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, oatmeal) provide long-lasting energy. A warm, light soup before the game can warm up the body. Warm tea during halftime helps maintain core body temperature.

3. Tactical Adjustments: Adapting the Game to the Weather

A good coach reacts to the weather not only in terms of clothing but also in tactics.

• On a Wet Pitch: The ball becomes fast and unpredictable. Short, flat passing is often prone to errors. Instructions should be: simple passes, avoid excessive dribbling, and shoot more often from a distance, as the wet ball is hard for the goalkeeper to handle.
• In Strong Wind: Flat passes are preferable to high, long balls. In the half playing against the wind, a compact, defensive game is advisable to save energy. In the half with the wind at your back, you should increase the pressure and look for early shots.

4. Warm-up and Cool-down: Preventing Injuries

• In Cold: The warm-up must be longer and more intense to bring the muscles to operating temperature. Start with light jogging and slowly increase the intensity. Keep breaks short. Change into dry, warm clothes immediately after the game to prevent getting chilled.
• In Heat: The warm-up should be shorter and take place in the shade to save energy. The cool-down is all the more important. Light jogging in the shade and stretching exercises help the circulatory system to normalize slowly.

5. Safety Protocols: Non-Negotiable Rules

• Thunderstorms: The 30-30 rule is binding. If there are fewer than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, the game must be immediately suspended, and shelter must be sought in a building or car. Dugouts or trees are not safe places! The game may only be resumed 30 minutes after the last audible thunder.
• Heat: Recognize the signs of heatstroke (e.g., headache, dizziness, confusion, lack of sweat despite the heat). This is a medical emergency. Immediately move the student to the shade, cool them with wet towels, and call an ambulance.
• Unplayable Pitch: With standing water on the pitch or frozen, hard ground, the risk of injury increases drastically. As a teacher, you have the duty to cancel the game or training in such cases.

By viewing the weather as a strategic partner rather than an opponent, you not only protect your students' health but also teach them a deeper understanding of their sport and their bodies. That's a lesson that extends far beyond the playing field.