Why are the elementary students not allowed go out to play on an orange day but the junior high students may practice football in full pads in the same weather?

Medical research shows that the younger the students are, the harder it is to acclimate to the heat. The district makes the break between 6th and 7th grade. A high percentage of student athletes prepare, condition, and acclimate during the summer months to prepare for the football season. Elementary students, as a rule, do not condition for a sport. RISD follows UIL rules and recommendations. Students must practice the first four days of football in shorts and helmet only. This helps further acclimate and condition the student/athlete before full pads are worn. If the weather is hot or condition orange, football games are not cancelled, which makes it even more important to have practiced in the warmer conditions. RISD coaches and trainers are specifically trained to know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They diligently monitor the student/athletes and provide water before, during and after practice. On days that are extremely hot or have a high ozone level, ...