MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – High school football practice can begin July 31 in South Carolina, and coaches in the Pee Dee and along the Grand Strand are ready for the cleats and pads.

“They’re younger, the JVs are coming up,” explains Carver Bay Head Coach Nate Thompson. “They’re younger and they’re hungrier.”

While the players as well as the coaches may be ready to hit the field, regulations from the South Carolina High School League will closely govern how long the student athlete can be in the South Carolina heat to prevent injury.

According to practice guidelines from SCHSL, practices within the first five days of the season, which begins July 31, cannot exceed three hours within one day. Days six through 14 of practice can include full contact practice in full gear. See the breakdown of practice rules from the SCHSL.

The rules also state that players must have a rest day after six consecutive practice days.