New heat safety rules from the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are drawing attention to the impact of artificial turf fields on outdoor sports practices in Texas.
A photograph from the first day of football practice at Boerne High School on Aug. 3, 2026, shows players running drills on the artificial turf at Boerne ISD Stadium in Boerne. The image, captured by Katina Zentz, illustrates the conditions athletes face under the updated guidelines.
The UIL's revised regulations aim to protect student-athletes from heat-related illnesses, and the heat retention properties of artificial turf have become a focal point for coaches and administrators.
