2-A-Day Football Practices Dangerous?

Football players aren't drenched in cool Friday night lights at the start of the Football season. During two-a-day practices in mid-August the sweltering sun beats down on football fields across West Texas.

On Thursday, the National Athletic Trainers Association unveiled recommendations in San Antonio calling for modified use of traditional two-a-day practices during the first week of practice. In the weeks thereafter they also recommend two-a-day practice days be followed by single practice days.

The practices say it's a part of the game, some say is just too dangerous. The Associate Press reports since 1995, 39 football players in all level of play across the United States have died from heat-related causes according to the National Center for Catastrophic Injury research.

"During practice we have water available to the guys and whenever they get thirsty they can go and get water." Head Football Coach Gary Gaines said the players at Permian High School only have 13 days after the season starts to prepare for the first game.

Parents like Rodolfo Tarin think two-a-days actually help condition players, prevent injuries, and are just a part of the game.

"Dangers apply to everything not just football. It's all about preparing. You have to watch what you eat. You have to have plenty of fluids," Tarin said.

Under current University Interscholastic League rules; players are not allowed to use pads during the first four days of practice.

"Some coaches don't work the kids hard and I think that's where most of the injuries occur," Tommy Martin, a Mojo Grandad, who thinks three-a-day practices might help players prepare better for the season, said.

Area Coaches like Odessa High School Football Coach Ron King says the directive would have to come from the UIL. Midland High School Head Football Coach Craig Yenzer told NewsWest 9 players who don't properly condition in the preseason often end up with injuries. He said it's important for coaches to also plan practice times during coolest periods of the day.

"They do have trainers on site and that makes a big difference. They used to not have that stuff," Kenny Copeland, said. "You want these guys to be toughened up [out] there. This is a battle for these guys. When they get out on that field, it's not planting daisies."

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