Norman Public Schools’ athletics teams and other groups that conduct practices outdoors – like our NPS marching bands - will be making adjustments as to when and how they practice, as a result of the extreme heat conditions.
The NPS Athletic Department has implemented a heat schedule so that all students participating in outdoor sports practices must be off the field by 11 a.m. at the latest. This is prompting earlier start times, with most teams conducting practices between the hours of 7 and 10:30 a.m. Coaches also will be taking frequent breaks during the practices and they and trainers will be making sure athletes’ are well hydrated. Fluids and breaks will be adjusted by the trainers based on the heat index and athletes’ well being.
NPS Athletics incorporated these very same strategies last year when similar extreme heat temperatures were experienced prior to the start of school when teams began their practices for the upcoming season. Athletics’ heat schedule will continue until the start of school unless temperatures and the heat index substantially decline.
Marching bands will be practicing mostly in the morning and in the evening hours. Band Directors have been instructed to take frequent breaks (20-30 minutes), to keep the students hydrated, and to ensure there is unlimited water accessible to students and teachers. At no time are students and teachers to be restricted from water during practices and rehearsals. Band Directors will conduct as much of their practices and rehearsals as possible indoors. They will be consulting with the Norman High and Norman North trainers, as needed.
These are the same strategies utilized by NPS marching bands during the 2011 summer. Any questions related to outdoor practices and the heat can be directed to athletes’ coaches, musicians individual directors and/or to: NPS Athletics Office, 405.366.5846, or the NPS Fine Arts Office: 405.366.5870
