FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Football coaches at Framingam High School were back at practice Monday after an investigation into player injuries likely caused by the school's turf field.
Several players reportedly suffered blisters after a drill that involved putting their hands on the school’s synthetic field – which was apparently very hot.
FOX25's Jim Morelli went to the field Sunday and found the turf was almost 150 degrees, even though air temperature was in the 80s. A coach told FOX25 the players' blisters were related to the heat.
“It clearly shows that there is a heat problem on these fields,” retired pharmacology professor Jordan Warnick told FOX25. “And they should not be played on or practiced on when that temperature is exceeded.”
Warnick was a member of Medway's Board of health when it voted to require signs at synthetic fields that say "These fields are hotter than natural grass!"
After the investigation, which officials said is standard procedure with student injuries, the school issued the following statement:
FHS Football Investigation Concluded Framingham Public Schools has concluded its investigation into the events of the Framingham High School football practice on August 25th that resulted in injuries to some of our student athletes. The coaches will return to practice today. Interim Athletic Director Paul Spear will work with coaches to identify drills and activities that are appropriate for the condition of the turf field. It is standard operating procedure of this district to review any incident that results in student injuries. Our first priority, as always, is to do our best to ensure the safety of students in our care. We are grateful for the cooperation of our students and staff as we maneuvered through this uncommon situation, and we appreciate the Framingham community for their continued support for our athletic programs.