What should my child wear for practice in the heat?

Q: What should my child wear for practice in the heat?

NFHS hydration guidance (October 2025) says dark or bulky clothing and protective equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads and other padding raise body temperature and sweat loss, which increases the risk of dehydration and heat illness. What this means in practice: Choose light-colored, lightweight practice clothing where the sport allows. Early in the season, protective gear should be added gradually. The NFHS heat statement says to keep gear to a minimum in the first several practices and add uniform and equipment pieces over successive days. As heat and humidity rise, coaches should consider reducing uniform and protective equipment as well as lowering intensity. Most heat-related deaths happen in the first few days of practice, often from doing too much too soon, sometimes in full gear too early in the season.

Question

Accepted Answer

NFHS hydration guidance (October 2025) says dark or bulky clothing and protective equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads and other padding raise body temperature and sweat loss, which increases the risk of dehydration and heat illness.

What this means in practice:

Choose light-colored, lightweight practice clothing where the sport allows.
Early in the season, protective gear should be added gradually. The NFHS heat statement says to keep gear to a minimum in the first several practices and add uniform and equipment pieces over successive days.
As heat and humidity rise, coaches should consider reducing uniform and protective equipment as well as lowering intensity.

Most heat-related deaths happen in the first few days of practice, often from doing too much too soon, sometimes in full gear too early in the season.