The News Courier in Athens, Alabama

Sports

Related Photos

  • Clements players go through a drill during the first day of football practice Monday afternoon. Football teams acorss the state began practicing Monday, a full two weeks before the start of school. News Courier/Rebecca Croomes

    Clements Practice.jpg

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
August 6, 2012

UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Late school start means more practice time

By Jonathan Deal jonathan@athensnews-courier.com

CLEMENTS — After long hours in the weight room and running in the hot summer sun, football practice finally began Monday for Alabama high school teams. While Monday was the first official day teams could practice together, most players have worked on conditioning during voluntary workouts throughout the summer.

The preseason practice schedule will be slightly different this year because of a later start date for schools across the state. Alabama schools will start about two weeks later, allowing more time for two-a-day practices during August.

“It hasn’t really effected us because we’ve worked out hard this summer,” said Clements football coach Michael Brown. “All the county schools normally start the first day of school. Now we have to sort of round up all the middle school students and the kids that move in. It’s kind of trial and error right now.”

In addition to the later start, a new rule issued by the Alabama High School Athletic Association puts restrictions on when and how often high school football teams may hold two-a-days. The rule states that, “In all sports, two-a-day practices may not be conducted on consecutive days. When two-a-day practices are conducted, a four-hour break is required between the end of the first practice and the beginning of the second practice.”

The AHSAA added even more specific rules for football, which has been spotlighted in recent years with heat-related illnesses across the country during August. According the AHSAA ruling, players can practice only once per day in full pads.

Ardmore and East Limestone were the only local teams that will implement two-a-day practice schedules leading up to the first games of the season on Aug. 30. With the exception of Athens and Clements, most teams chose to avoid the hot August sun and practice in the early morning.

The limitations on multiple practices per day are in addition to a rule implemented several years ago that mandates the first three days of fall football practice must be in shorts and helmets. The earliest date full pads may be worn is Aug. 9.

High school football season in Alabama begins Thursday, Aug. 30. Some county teams will play jamboree games Thursday, Aug. 23 and Friday, Aug. 24.

Text Only
Sports
Poll

Do you believe the state's new law allowing people to keep a gun in their vehicle will lead to an increase in workplace violence?

Yes
No
     View Results
Facebook
AP Video
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Stocks
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Business Marquee
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com