Sports
Coachella Valley High School Football Teams Adjust to New Heat Protocols as Season Gets Underway
High school football season is officially underway in the Coachella Valley, with teams reporting to camp and beginning preparations for the upcoming season.
But during conditioning week, coaches across the desert are facing a familiar challenge—finding ways to keep practices productive while protecting their athletes from the extreme summer heat.
New mandatory heat protocols under Assembly Bill 1653 have added another layer to the preparation process. When temperatures reach between 90 and 91 degrees, outdoor practices are limited to a maximum of one hour. If temperatures rise above 92 degrees, practices and games can be canceled altogether.
For Indio head coach James Dockery, communication between players, coaches and staff is more important than ever.
Dockery emphasized the importance of hydration and making sure his players understand the dangers of practicing in the desert heat.
He says athletes also have a responsibility to hydrate before arriving at practice and recognize when they may not be feeling well. If a player begins experiencing symptoms related to the heat, Dockery says the coaching staff will make sure the athlete is seen by the team's trainer.
So far, Indio has avoided having any practices canceled. Dockery credits the team's decision to practice early in the morning, allowing the players to get their work in before temperatures reach their highest levels.
However, Dockery says teams that choose to practice later in the day run the risk of reaching a point where trainers or athletic directors determine that conditions are unsafe, forcing practices to be delayed or canceled.
With the new football season officially underway, managing the heat will be a key part of preparation for teams throughout the Coachella Valley.
Dockery is also one of several new head coaches taking over programs in the valley this season, making the ability to navigate the desert heat and new safety protocols an important part of getting his team ready for the year ahead.
By: Brett Rosen
July 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
You know campaign texts are out of control when they text you a video of yourself to tell you how to vote 😆 How many campaign texts have you received this week? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
Meet Amelia McMahon, the woman behind Amelia’s Donuts Bakery & Cafe in Idyllwild, where a passion for baking has turned into a community gathering spot — and an inspiration to other women chasing their dreams. After bringing homemade donuts to the kids at school, Amelia turned that passion into a business. This December, she’ll celebrate seven years in business! ❤️ For National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating Amelia and the female entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities. Her advice to women who dream of starting their own business? Have a plan, surround yourself with supportive people, believe in yourself, and just go for it! 🎥 Kai Beach shares Amelia’s inspiring story with NBC Palm Springs. #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #Idyllwild #WomenEntrepreneurs NBCPalmSprings InspiringStories
Candy and costumes! Halloween is a time for festive fun, but some of those holiday hallmarks can stress out our pets. Patrick Cornell shares tips to keep your fur friends safe through all the spooky excitement.
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to be sentenced today after pleading guilty to torturing and killing 17 year old Hemet teen T’Neya Tovar. Tune in to our midday and evening newscast as @newsbyalondra brings us all the latest details from the courtroom.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you like a good jump scare?
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Aiden Pope with the punt return TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dime on the run, 3) Colton LaCrone with the sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the contested snag, or 5) Anthony Aguirre with the sack #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.