This is a good article warning of the potentially deadly combination of obesity and heat death in obese athletes.
The bottom line is that kids must get in shape PRIOR to the start of summer practices. This must be the responsibility of both the athlete and the parent(s). Once the summer practice season starts (usually around Aug 15th) coaches must keep a close eye on heavy kids. If they observe signs and symptoms like profuse sweating, shortness of breath, pain, headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. (See the guidelines for more specifics - click here) then the athlete must be pulled from practice.
If a child is not in shape, then they must be advanced MORE SLOWLY than a child who comes in shape. You cannot get them in shape faster and should not push them harder so they can be ready for opening day. This means MORE REST and fewer "reps" each practice until they are ready.
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