How should we handle heat early in the season?
Guideline- USA
- USA Football
- Youth tackle
- 14U
- 14 and under
- 2026 guidelines
- Coaches
USA Football's practice guidelines put heat acclimatization first: introduce practice intensity and equipment gradually, and prioritize hydration, rest and safe conditions early in the season.
For a concrete schedule, the NATA-led Inter-Association Task Force guidelines for secondary school athletes use a 14-day acclimatization period:
| Days | Practices | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | One a day, max 3 hours | Helmet only |
| 3-5 | One a day, max 3 hours | Helmet and shoulder pads; sleds and dummies allowed |
| 6-14 | Double days allowed, each followed by a single-practice day | Full pads; full contact can begin |
- Days 1-5: an optional walk-through of up to 1 hour, at least 3 hours apart from practice.
- Double days: max 3 hours per practice, 5 hours total, with at least 3 hours' rest in a cool place between.
- One full rest day after 6 straight days of practice.
- Late joiners still complete all 14 days.
These are upper limits written for high school athletes; younger players should build up at least as gradually.
Updated 21 Oct 2026