09/04/2026
Good evening MYFA Families,
I want to take a moment to address the heat we have experienced this week.
I want to thank all of our coaches for doing a great job following their USA Football training expectations and making adjustments based on the conditions. We have seen coaches move practice times, shorten practices, increase water and rest breaks, reduce the amount of time athletes are in full equipment, and modify their practice plans to keep our athletes as safe as possible.
MYFA and our coaches have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, you as the parent have the ultimate say in whether your child participates in practice. Every child responds differently to heat, and parents know their children better than anyone. If you feel the conditions are not appropriate for your child to participate, you should feel comfortable keeping them home. Likewise, if a coach believes an athlete is struggling with the heat or showing signs that they should not continue, that coach has the authority and responsibility to remove that athlete from activity.
Our coaches have been instructed to make adjustments when conditions require it. This includes:
• Moving practices to later or cooler times when possible
• Shortening practices when necessary
• Adding more frequent water and rest breaks
• Giving athletes time to remove their helmets and cool down
• Limiting conditioning in elevated heat
• Reducing the amount of time athletes spend in full pads
• Monitoring athletes closely for signs that they are struggling with the heat
• Moving indoors when an appropriate facility is available
Coaches also have the authority to stop or modify practice at any time if they believe conditions are unsafe for their athletes.
I also want to clarify how MYFA evaluates the heat. We do not simply look at the highest heat index of the day and automatically use that number to determine whether practice can be held. We look at the heat index and/or WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) during the actual time the practice is scheduled to take place. That does not mean we ignore the day's conditions. It means we are evaluating the conditions our athletes will be experiencing while they are on the field.
MYFA has established a formal Heat & Extreme Weather Policy so that our coaches, families, and athletes have clear expectations for how these situations are handled.
We Are a Volunteer Organization
I also want to remind everyone that MYFA is a volunteer organization. Our coaches, board members, administrators, and many of the people working behind the scenes are giving their time because they believe in providing football opportunities for our kids.
To the parents who have taken the time to communicate your concerns, ask questions, and provide constructive feedback, thank you. Your feedback helps us identify areas where we can improve and helps us create clearer policies and expectations.
We may not always get everything perfect, but we are listening, we are learning, and we are committed to doing what is best for our athletes.
Please continue to communicate with us respectfully and constructively. That is how we make MYFA better. We appreciate your patience, your understanding, and your continued support of MYFA Football.
Regards,
Keith Burrell
MYFA President
