Warning: There are potential dangers of serious and catastrophic injuries associated with participation in tackle football including paralysis and/or death. Players need to listen to all instructions given by coaches, never use their head or helmet as the primary point of contact, and always keep their head up.

Players must inform Coaches/Trainer (Drew Erks; DErks@nebraskaortho.com) of any injuries:

• – Trainer is available daily before practice in the training room at school, and during practices
• – Ice is recommended for the first 72 hours

Heat Acclimation Policy and Contact Limitations:

• Full contact allowed maximum of 4 days per week (including games)
• No more than 2 consecutive days of full contact (including games).
• Maximum of 30 minutes per practice.  (pre-season scrimmages are allowed – 90 min. limit)
• Contact with bags and controlled contact (coach pre-determined outcome) is unlimited.
• 1^st six days only one practice is allowed – 1^st 2 days helmets only – next 2 days helmet & shoulder pads only.  May go full pads on and after day five.

Heat & Hydration (NSAA Heat Protocol)

Nutrition/Sleep

1. Players need to eat properly during the season. They will need a lot energy, and they must supply their body with enough fuel. This means breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
2. Get enough sleep (at least 8 hours).
3. Staying hydrated is very important. Drinking plenty of water and eating a well rounded diet that includes vegetables and fruits is the most important thing a player can do to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes.  It would be appropriate to consume one normal sized Gatorade type drink immediately after a practice or game, but water should be the liquid consumed at all other times.  Avoid pop, high caffeine drinks (energy drinks) – Red Bull, Monster, 5 Hour Energy, etc.
4. Consuming supplements such as Protein, during the season, can reduce the athletic performance of players.  Specifically causing dehydration which has a negative effect on all body systems such as muscle, and brain function.  Protein should be consumed within the food that the player is eating during the day.