THOMASVILLE, Ga. — A South Georgia high school caught on video giving football players intravenous saline fluids (IV) before football games says the practice is no more.
In photos and videos sent to First Coast News, several Thomasville High School football players were seen hooked up to IV bags on a metal stand being wheeled down a hallway and on a school bus. The IV fluids were given as a preventive measure, according to school district officials.
But not anymore.
In an email to First Coast News, Thomasville City Schools Superintendent Laine Reichert says the district will no longer be utilizing any therapies or treatments that require a physician’s order.
Furthermore, any use of IVs in the future will be for emergency situations only and then conducted by a medical professional on the scene, Reichert added.
Now, the district plans to use sports drinks and gels instead of IV fluids. Reichert says head football coach Zach Grage is in the early stages of researching options for replacing the pre-hydration therapy and she is not familiar with the alternatives.
Reichert declined to comment further for this story.
Thomasville City Schools athletic director Chris Merritt declined comment as well when reached via email.
Previously, the Georgia High School Association decided to stay out of the conversation about whether or not IV fluids should be allowed before games.
This is different than what Reichert previously told First Coast News over the course of a six-month First Coast News investigation.
She said via email last fall that a doctor prescribed the pre-game therapy and certified nurses were monitoring the IVs.
"I mean that was the right move and kudos to you guys for pushing it because it wasn't the right thing to do for the kids," Southeast Orthopedics Dr. Kevin Murphy said.
First Coast News Murphy, who is a former athlete himself but has no affiliation with Thomasville City Schools to weigh-in on what the change means for the health of athletes.
"The standard of practice is not to give IVs prophetically to prevent cramps," he said.
First Coast News called and emailed members of the Thomasville School Board, but those went unanswered as of Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, questions were posed to Reichert about the potential costs of the switch — those numbers were still being verified.
Dr. Murphy explained costs pale in comparison to player health.
"If you’re doing an activity for more than an hour sport drinks are better because they replace your electrolytes, short of an hour water," Murphy said.