JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Friday night high school football is a tradition for many fans across Mississippi.

“I love to go out on Friday night and see the bands playing and having fun, the cheerleaders, dance teams, and fans,” one fan said.

“Athletics and sports should be fun,” another fan said.

That includes Rickey Neaves, executive director of the Mississippi High School Activities Association. Neaves said safety comes first, particularly during the Mississippi summer heat.

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature guides practice decisions

The MHSAA uses a measurement called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which combines data points including temperature, heat index, humidity and wind speed. The reading determines whether a practice will be limited or canceled.

Officials monitor players and fans on game day

On game days, Neaves said referees watch more than just the game.

“If an official recognizes someone is becoming dehydrated or is showing signs of that, he can send them off. He can call a timeout and alert the coach,” Neaves said.

Referees are required to stop play to give teams water breaks. They are also tasked with watching fans in the stands during all four quarters.

“These precautions are for our players, and it also helps our coaches. Some of them are like me, getting older, and our officials are older, and they’re out there moving about too. This is for everyone. We even caution our game administrators to keep close watch on parents and grandparents in the stands because they can become overheated also,” Neaves said.

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