OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. | Here on the border with South Carolina, the rules regarding the start of high school football have some variability from one side of the line to the next, much as in Illinois and Indiana. However, while the mercury may or may not be elevated on Aug. 3 in Indiana and Aug. 12 in Illinois, it's guaranteed to be hot and humid on both sides of the state line, here, on July 31.

And ironically, it's the more northern of these two states that is already following guidelines that approximate those recently introduced by the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

During the first three days of football practice in North Carolina, only a helmet is allowed. On the fourth day, shoulder pads may be added. Only on the seventh day may full gear and contact begin. Also starting that day, a second same-day practice is permissible. However, that second practice is limited to helmet and shoulder pads with no contact.

In South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana, the regulations are much more general. The first three days of practice in South Carolina and Illinois largely match North Carolina's version of no contact while in Indiana that limit is in effect for just two days.

Illinois' advantage over Indiana regarding heat lies in starting practice nine days later and games seven.

Coaches in Illinois and Indiana object to the NATA's new guidelines, believing heat acclimatization is for summer conditioning sessions. If mandated to follow the new guidelines, due to the variability of calendars from district to district, some schools would be unable to practice twice-a-day at all. A wide disparity in number of practices prior to game one would result.

David Csillan, MS, ATC, is the athletic trainer at Ewing (N.J.) High School and co-chaired the task force which developed the NATA's heat guidelines. His answers to those objections are several but simple.

"In a six-week span in 2008, we lost 18 athletes (to heat illness) nationwide," he said. "This has been the worst in 40 years. These guidelines aren't based on a state association's calendar. They're based on safety. In New Jersey, all fall sports (start practice) 25 days from their first game. The 14-day heat-acclimatization period fits into that just fine."

Until Illinois and Indiana adjust their calendars, any new rules which mirror North Carolina's, will give local coaches fits.

John Doherty is a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist.

This column reflects solely his opinion. Reach him at ptatcsport@sbcglobal.net.