Why is heat illness such a big concern in youth and high school sports?

The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee's heat statement (October 2025) says exertional heatstroke is the leading preventable cause of death in high school athletics.

Athletes are at greatest risk during high-intensity, long or repeated same-day practices in summer or on other hot days, and especially in the first few days of a new season.

NFHS lists these safety priorities for every program:

• A formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan
• A hydration plan, with plenty of chances to drink
• Modifying activity for the heat and for individual risk factors such as illness or obesity
• All coaches monitoring athletes closely and recognizing the signs of heat illness
• An emergency action plan ready to use if heatstroke is suspected

NFHS writes this guidance for high school athletics. Summer and community leagues aren't bound by it unless their own policy adopts it.