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Overview

The temperature has a big effect on the enjoyability of playing football, but it also has important effects on the safety of the sport. Football is directly affected by many weather hazards; although the option of indoor stadiums exists for some, for many it proves a large challenge in ensuring the safety of players and other participants.

Extreme Cold

While playing football in cold weather is not entirely unheard of (being from rural Alberta, I've played a fair share of cold games), the weather can have a significantly negative impact on the players. For example, one common consequence of playing in extreme cold is frostbite- I've had the privilege of getting frostbite after a game, and it is not fun. However, more serious injuries can arise as a result of cold weather. The cold temperature can have a negative impact on your heart, lungs, and overall metabolism as detailed in this article.Links to an external site. I haLinks to an external site.ve included embedded links, detailing information on how weather affects the performance of Football PlayersLinks to an external site., along with some cold hard facts about playing football in bad weather.Links to an external site.

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Thunderstorms/Lightning

As with all outdoor sports and activities, lightning can pose a large threat to anyone's safety. It is important to take proper precautions (such as utilizing the provided resources) and being aware of the surroundings while playing. As the majority of football helmets used are made of metal, lightning can pose a large threat to players during games or practices.

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Extreme Heat

While the right amount of heat can be enjoyable for outdoor football activity, too much heat can result in disaster. Some heat illnesses that can occur are cramps, exercise-associated collapse, and more as detailed by this website. Links to an external site.When also considering the heavy equipment worn during games, the level of heat can decide whether a football game is enjoyable or agonizing. It is important to make use of the weather resources provided in order to determine the safety of game or practice conditions.

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Air Quality

Poor air quality can have an extremely negative effect on players. As you tend to breathe more heavily when exercising, the amount of air you are inhaling increases. When the air quality is poor, that physical activity increases the amount of polluted air you inhale. Other potential risks include an increased pollution dose, as well as an unemployed nasal filter. However, football activity can still safely occur despite poor air quality, if attention is paid to the time of day, your medical history, and other factors outlined by this article.Links to an external site.