A lot has been made of athletes taking precautions in regard to dealing with the heat during those scorching months of August and September.

But what about the recent cold spell? That would seem to have its share of yellow flags, too.

It primarily is soccer players who must deal with this issue.

One thing they need to realize is that they must continue to hydrate themselves. That practice isn’t just for the heat. The body needs fluid to continue to operate properly.

And when the athletes come off the field, they should make sure they cover up with sweat pants, hoodies and the like. Body heat can escape quickly through faces, legs and arms. The same goes for the referees.

Athletes in all sports should be aware that there is serious round of flu circulating out there, some of it in locker rooms. They need to try to avoid possible infection with the use of hand sanitizers, and keep covered whenever possible. This includes basketball players and wrestlers.

The state tournaments are coming up soon, and we want to see everyone at full strength so they can enjoy the experience.

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I have heard of many instances of parental interference, but I recently witnessed a new one.

An athlete was injured and play was stopped as the athlete was looked at by the training staff and coach.

From the spectator area came shouts to leave the athlete alone, to not touch them, despite the presence of a certified trainer.

Granted, it is their child and they have every right to express their concerns, but this was a bit extreme.

Huh?

This is a certified trainer we’re talking about. These people don’t get nearly the credit they deserve for the work they do, often in conditions that are less than perfect. Let them do their job.

It wouldn’t surprise me one day if a coach were to mutter, “Gee, we’re sorry we care about your kid.’’

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I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Tucson High and Tucson Sabino football coach Ollie Mayfield.

He coached Tucson to state titles in the early 1970s, and was as much of a reason for that success as the players themselves.

If you want to learn more about Ollie, click on the link on this page dated Jan. 9, “Honk for Ollie, a coach who cared.’’ It was written by the Arizona Daily Star’s Greg Hansen, one of the best columnists you will find, a great story-teller.