From the Bleachers – The Myth of Two-a-Days
By Dr. Jack Welch
For generations, the phrase two-a-days has caused concern among parents, with many believing that practicing twice in one day is the primary cause of heat-related illnesses. The research tells a different story. The greatest danger is not the number of practices, but whether athletes have been properly acclimatized to the heat.
Sports medicine experts have consistently found that most exertional heat illnesses occur during the first several days of preseason, before the body has had time to adjust to exercising in hot and humid conditions. That is why today’s athletic programs follow structured heat-acclimatization guidelines. Practice intensity gradually increases while protective equipment is added in stages. Coaches and athletic trainers carefully monitor hydration, weather conditions, and each athlete’s physical condition throughout every workout.
Heat illness is largely preventable when everyone works together. Coaches, athletic trainers, administrators, parents, and athletes all share responsibility for recognizing the signs of heat stress and responding appropriately. Schools closely monitor environmental conditions and modify practices when necessary. If an athlete experiences exertional heat stroke, immediate rapid cooling, especially cold-water immersion, is recognized as the most effective lifesaving treatment.
Many athletic associations have eliminated multiple full-contact practices in a single day but still allow walk-through sessions. These lower-intensity practices provide additional exposure to the environment without placing excessive physical stress on athletes. Simply spending time in the heat helps the body continue adapting safely.
Texas has taken another important step by requiring schools to monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) for all outdoor sports and marching band activities. Schools must also maintain written heat emergency action plans that include rapid-cooling equipment on site before practices begin. These evidence-based measures continue to improve athlete safety.
The lesson reaches beyond athletics. Success is rarely the result of avoiding challenges. It comes from preparing wisely, respecting the conditions we face, and trusting the process. Heat should never be ignored, but neither should it be feared when preparation, education, and common sense guide our decisions.
“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.” — Vince Lombardi
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.