TSSAA Football Kickoff Times Adjusted Amid Tennessee Heat Advisory

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has announced changes to the kickoff times for several high school football games in response to a dangerous heat advisory affecting Middle Tennessee. As the region braces for extreme temperatures, safety measures are being prioritized to protect players during the Week 3 games.

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a warning for a "major to extreme heat risk" lasting through September 5. Forecasts predict highs of 101 degrees Fahrenheit on September 3 and 100 degrees on September 4, with the heat index potentially reaching a staggering 110 degrees during this period. Given these conditions, the TSSAA has taken proactive steps to adjust game times accordingly.

According to the TSSAA's heat policy, outdoor competitions are prohibited if the wet bulb globe temperature exceeds 92.0 degrees or if the heat index goes beyond 104 degrees, unless there is an appropriate health care professional present with access to rapid cooling methods. This policy underscores the association's commitment to athlete safety, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

As a result of the advisory, several high school football games in Middle Tennessee have been rescheduled to start later in the evening. Notably, the kickoff times for the following games have been moved to 7:30 p.m. on September 4:

• Cheatham County at Stewart County
• Clay County at Jackson County
• Montgomery Central at Harpeth
• Ravenwood at Green Hill

These adjustments reflect the TSSAA's ongoing efforts to ensure that student-athletes can compete in safe conditions. Coaches and school officials are encouraged to communicate any further changes to game times, and they can reach out to TSSAA representatives for updates.