SURREY — High school football players in this province were all excited about the start of fall camp on Monday, with opening week set to kick-off in 10 days.
Yet with reduced air quality due to the ongoing forest fire situation ongoing throughout the province, B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association president Brien Gemmell sent a note of caution to coaches around B.C. on Tuesday morning.
Here’s is the note sent by Gemmell via e-mail:
Good morning Coaches
I hope your summer has been a good one and restful.
Given the current fire situation in our province and the air quality at this time, I want to caution our coaches as they begin fall practices.
Please take the necessary steps to ensure player and coach safety.
Suggestions would include shortening periods outside, cancelling any conditioning periods or move them inside and increasing water breaks. If any work can be done indoors please take the necessary steps to make that happen.
Thanks so much and have a safe and successful fall camp.
Brien Gemmell
President-BCSSFA
Kurt Thornton, head coach of the AAA No. 1-ranked Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers said his Surrey-based team held a single evening session on Monday, a 135-minute practice beginning at 6 p.m. in which the players were very closely monitored.
“We didn’t change our practice plan, but we did change our expectations during the practice,” said Thornton, whose team will continue with one practice per day through the week before beginning two-a-days next week. “We held back from what we normally do in terms of tempo and we gave the kids more breaks.”
Added Gemmell, when contacted by VarsityLetters: “The safety of our players and coaches is front and centre for us. Like I said, if you can do sessions indoors, do them in your gym. Shorten practice periods outside and increase water breaks. We don’t want anyone taking unnecessary risks.”
If you’re reading this story or viewing these photos on any other website other than one belonging to a university athletic department, it has been taken without appropriate permission. In these challenging times, true journalism will survive only through your dedicated support and loyalty. VarsityLetters.ca and all of its exclusive content has been created to serve B.C.’s high school and university sports community with hard work, integrity and respect. Feel free to drop us a line any time at howardtsumura@gmail.com.
