Exertional Heat Illness Risk in American High School Football Players

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of Georgia has provided new insights into the risk of exertional heat illnesses (EHIs) in American high school football players. According to the study, EHIs affect thousands of high school athletes annually, with clear risk patterns for fatal EHIs based on player characteristics. However, there is limited information on these associations for nonfatal EHIs. The study aimed to predict nonfatal EHI risk using commonly available data on body mass index (BMI) values and/or player position.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 309 EHIs over 163,118 athlete-exposures in 22 high schools in Georgia from 2012 to 2014.
  • Player position was identified as a significant differentiator in EHI risk, with linemen having a 2.63 times greater risk of sustaining heat syncope/heat exhaustion compared to backs and Specialists.
  • Linemen were at lower risk for exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) compared to backs, with a relative risk of 0.63.
  • The study found no differences in relative risk among BMI categories, indicating that player position is a bigger differentiator in EHI risk than BMI.
  • The study concluded that position-specific training activities can mitigate EHI risk, and sports medicine and coaching staff should be educated on this risk.

Statistics:

  • 309 EHIs were recorded over 163,118 athlete-exposures.
  • The linemen group had a 2.63 times greater risk of sustaining heat syncope/heat exhaustion than the backs and Specialists groups.
  • Linemen were at lower risk for EAMCs compared to backs, with a relative risk of 0.63.
  • No differences were found in relative risk among BMI categories (Underweight, Normal weight, Overweight, and Obese).
  • The study involved an analysis of data from 22 high schools in Georgia over a period of three years (2012-2014).

Sources:

  • Can Body Mass Index Values And/or Player Position Be Viable Predictors for Exertional Heat Illness In American Football Players? (Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 2025)
  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Georgia Yield New Information about Sports and Health (Can Body Mass Index Values And/or Player Position Be Viable Predictors for Exertional Heat Illness In American Football Players?) (Health & Medicine Week, August 29, 2025; p 87)
  • University of Georgia, "Prediction of nonfatal EHI risk in American high school football participants can be determined using commonly available data on body mass index (BMI) values and/or player position" (2025)