Heat of the game: The impacts and perceptions of rising temperatures on college football athletes

As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding the numerous impacts in which these changes have on society is imperative due to increased vulnerabilities to climate stresses. Heat-related risks can be fatal, and athletes are often disregarded from considerations of vulnerable groups despite their increased exposure with climatic changes, with football being no exception to this. Thus, understanding the risks in which they face is vital in facilitating appropriate practice and management techniques. This study aims to assess the risks that college football athletes are confronting while understanding how these individuals perceive these same risks. Three research questions have been outlined to facilitate this: How have the heat index levels on football game days at two Division One universities in the US changed between 1995 to 2024? Do college football athletes perceive rising temperatures as an increasing risk while playing, and what factors contribute? How can NCAA football programs address rising heat risks? A heat index analysis was used to understand changes in heat risk and athlete surveys and staff interviews were used to comprehend impacts and perceptions of risk alongside knowledge on current management strategies. Data were analyzed via a range of regression analyses and the coding and the identification of themes of qualitative data. Results showed that both university locations are undergoing rises in both temperature and heat index values, overall reducing the number of games being player absent of any risk association. Players have a much better perception of the basic physiological risks associated with playing in extreme and rising temperatures but often fall short of having the same recognition for psychological impacts. Variations between players often stemmed from factors including on-field position, state of birth, the number of years they have played football, and gender stereotypes in sport. Combining the change in risk level with the inconsistency of awareness by players it is clear that action is needed. Thus, it can be suggested that athlete’s education is vital. This must also be accompanied by practices to further reduce unnecessary exposure, including the use of new technology, creating new policies and making changes to facilities.