VALDOSTA —
High school football teams throughout the state are eligible to begin full-contact drills today.
Today’s start of contact drills comes after the mandated five-day acclimation period set forth by the Georgia High School Association.
The new heat-related rules were created to help high school athletes become acclimated with the high temperatures after two student-athletes died in 2011 with heat-related illnesses during football camps.
Many teams will hold their first two-a-days today, including Lowndes and Valdosta.
Teams that hold multiple practices today will not be eligible to hold another two-a-day until Friday, according to the new GHSA rules that prohibit two-a-day practices on consecutive days.
Teams are no longer allowed to hold three-a-day practices.
When teams hold two-a-day practices, they may not eclipse the set five-hour practice limit. Teams found violating GHSA rules will be fined up to $1,000 per offense.
The start of contact drills comes 17 days before teams hold their preseason scrimmages on Aug. 17. Regular season play begins Aug. 24, although many teams begin Aug. 31.
Local Sports
Related Photos
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Teams throughout the state of Georgia, including Valdosta, will begin full-contact drills today, following the five-day acclimation period mandated by the Georgia High School Association. file photo
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The Lowndes Vikings will begin full-contact drills today with a pair of practices at Martin Stadium in Valdosta. file photo
Discussion
Let the hitting commence
High school football teams eligible for full-contact drills today
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