No doubt the heat can be tough enough to deal with, but when we add in the humidity outdoor activities can be more challenging. There are strict VPA rules on Heat Index when it comes to practices and games we must follow. Early morning and later in the evening practice times may be in order.

This week's big topic at our coach's meeting will be the possibility of a hot August and September. All of those coaches are getting certified in heat illness awareness. They will be taking extra precautions such as the time of day they practice, how they balance work and rest periods, keeping their athletes hydrated, and how to spot athletes who are experiencing a problem.

In preparation for practices, hydration should start now. Drinking a glass or bottle of water before practice does very little. Your body should be fully hydrated and then maintained to help prevent heat illness. How much water you should drink varies by person, but 32-64 ounces a day is average as a general rule.

It's time to start preparing for Fall Season practices. This week, we could use help around the fields, sheds and other preparations. This is an excellent way for athletes to get needed community service hours while benefitting their athletic department. When April and May come along, we don't always have these hours available; now's the time to grab them.

If you have time available this week, ideally during the morning hours, send an email to rsaypack@ssdvt.org with when you are available to volunteer.

Varsity schedules are complete, sub-varsity schedules are now being worked on. Numbers dictate sub-varsity scheduling.

• Varsity Football; we didn't add anyone but we also know a few have not signed up yet on Arbiter Registration. Let's go.
• Varsity Boys Soccer; we picked up a few this week, we could use a few more to fill out our teams. We're close, keep recruiting.
• Varsity Girls Soccer; we added a few, numbers are good but we can always use more.
• Varsity Field Hockey; we picked up a few but still need more help.
• Varsity Cross Country; there is always room for more.
• Varsity Cheer; registrations are going well, more would be appreciated
• Riverside Tackle Football; we picked up a couple, there is still plenty of room.
• Riverside Girls Soccer; numbers are pretty good, but a few more wouldn't hurt.
• Riverside Boys Soccer; getting a bit worried about the numbers. We had no growth this week. Those signed up already, recruit a friend please!
• Riverside Field Hockey; no change from last week, unlikely we will field a team. We're making decisions on the two signed up and will be in touch.
• Riverside Cross Country; like mentioned above about varsity, everyone is welcome to join. All meet's are on the same days as varsity.

Keep recruiting for all sports!

For high school athletes we remind you that our school colors are Green & White. We prefer to see your footwear matching your uniforms. So as you prepare for the Fall Seasons, your choice of game time footwear should be any combination of green, white, black or gray. Any green is fine, i.e. neon, light shades. All colors are fine for practice. It's about being a team, and developing a culture of working together. For Riverside athletes we encourage you to follow this policy.