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Dead week comes to end
Activities start back up following mandatory break
Dead Week pic
Last week was dead week for all high school sports activities throughout Georgia. This three-man sled got the week off from football on the practice field. - photo by Pam Jacobs Dawson Community News

All sports activities came to a standstill last week.

There was no bouncing of balls in the gym, no weight lifting, no 3-mile runs, no conditioning of any kind, as the Georgia High School Association's "dead week" was honored by schools throughout the state.

This year marked the third summer that the rule has been in effect. The Georgia High School Association requires that schools do not conduct voluntary practices, drills or compete in any competitions on or away from the school during the week.

Tiger sports teams observed the mandatory "dead week" last week.

This year the period was July 2 - 9.

Traditionally, the week always falls during the week of the July 4 holiday.

With the final countdown for high school football teams quickly approaching most coaches are delighted with the week off.

Dawson County head coach Jeff Lee said: "Our players have been working extremely hard since last football season came to an end. When July gets here they begin to see the start of the season approaching and they give that little extra."

The first day of practice will be Aug. 1 for football. On that day all teams in Georgia may practice in shorts, helmets and shoulder pads.

Boys basketball coach Thad Burgess said: "We are pretty much done until school begins anyway. Our kids played at the FCA Camp [recently]. After that camp we won't see them until preseason workouts begin when school opens."

Most coaches also seem to feel that players need the time off during the holiday weekend.

"I'm looking forward to taking some time off from basketball," Burgess said. "I know the players are."

Lee said that following the break, his staff will turn their attention on getting his players used to the hot and humid days of August.

"We have to get our kids in top physical condition. Our coaching staff does a great job of teaching our players about hydration and taking care of their bodies. This will be our major focus in preparation of full pads in August," he said.