Evaluating athletic and heat injuries in preseason NCAA football following policy change using the NCAA Injury Surveillance System (ISS)

Purpose: In 2003, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) modified preseason fall football practice because of concerns about high rates of preseason athletic and heat injuries (HI). The new policy allowed one practice session during the first five days with gradually increased protective equipment. Beginning day six, double sessions were allowed on alternate days with full equipment. This study evaluated the pattern of athletic and HI following the policy change.

Methods: The NCAA ISS was used to evaluate athletic and HI during fall preseason in a sample of NCAA schools sponsoring football in 2005 and 2006. Athletic and HI restricting participation for at least one day were reported. HI were reported in five categories. Athletic exposures (A-E) were reported for all individual's practicing. Injury rates were a ratio of HI to A-E.

Results: 116 schools reported data over the two years averaging 24 (±7) days of preseason practice. 190 HI were reported by 55 schools. Heat exhaustion (55%) was the most reported HI category. The average injury rate over the two years for days 1-5 for HI was 1.38 (± 3.97) and for athletic injuries 11.80 (± 10.21). A disproportionate percentage of HI (43%) and athletic injuries (32%) occurred in days 1-5 compared to the rest of preseason.

Conclusion: Heat injuries are preventable with appropriate precautions. The NCAA ISS showed that a disproportionate percentage of reported HI in fall preseason football occurred in days 1-5. Education of athletic administrators must supplement continued research to further enhance student-athlete welfare.