We've talked about the new rules effecting high school football practices this summer..
But, scorching hot temperatures have high school marching bands taking extra precaution to keep their students safe.
They are still practicing outside, but they have come up with some new ways to keep their band members safe in the heat.
If you stand outside for just ten minutes this time of year, you'll begin to sweat. So imagine what high school band members are going through. School leaders are using unique ideas to make sure they band can stay in rhythm.
Any band member will tell you the show must always go on. But, when you have to battle the sun, safety is paramount. That is why they have new technology to gauge temperature.
"We used to base it off of heat index," said Lee County High Band Director Hank Carter. "Now we have to look at the wet bulb globe thermometer readings. That is a new device that we have purchased. It does a better job of giving us a more accurate reading of what the temperature is actually like for the kids."
There is a guide with the thermometer telling band officials what the rising numbers mean.
If the meter goes up to 92, it will alarm and tell coaches that they need to get their kids off the field because it is too dangerous with the heat to continue practice outside.
Boosters have also put on their thinking caps to help the kids stay cool. They have copper wire coiled inside of a cooler.
"We coil it up, put ice on top of it and run water through it," said Clifford Inlow, a Lee County band booster. "By the time it gets out, it's cold."
It comes out of seven different spigots that are part of the cart. It is very similar what you have seen on football sidelines, except more sanitary.
"It works like this, they can stick a cup up under it," Inlow said. "They can get however much they needed. It's good, ice cold water."
The new regulations are there to keep the students moving with the beat. One of them says the state regulations and the new technology are both appreciated.
"I don't want anyone out here to die or get hurt," said band captain Johann Chancey. "They are helping people and keeping us safe. But, at the same time, they are letting us stay out here and work as long as we need to."
The thermometer and the cooler will both be used after band camp and throughout the year.
The band director also keeps a clipboard to record the trends of the heat. He also keeps an electronic thermometer around his neck for constant updates.
The band is also taking water breaks more regularly. They are scheduled to get off of the field every morning at 11:30 so they can go inside.
Lee County Band Director Hank Carter
Band Booster Clifford Inlow
Band Captain Johann Chancey
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