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ALBANY, GA. -- High school athletes are taking a risk when training in high heat, that's according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The organization released new guideline to help protect student athletes.

The plan states that coaches should gradually adapt children to physical activity in heat, offer frequent breaks, and modify the length of practice times.

If a child has had a recent illness or other risk factors that would reduce heat tolerance, the AAP says physical activity should be limited to that individual.

They the number one safety tool is education of the coaches, students, and parents.

“We have parents’ meetings. We had ours last week. We actually educate the parents on what to prepare for the kids. Try to stay away from the fried food, make sure they get enough rest, make sure they get enough rest and go to bed at night,” said Dougherty High School Football Coach Jesse Hicks.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says everyone should have an emergency plan in place.