South Fulton ordinance mandates heat-related injury training coaches, water vessels in parks
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - Six years after a young football player died on a Fulton County field, the city announced a new measure to prevent future heat-related deaths in athletes.
The South Fulton City Council said the Johnny Tolbert Ordinance, named after the 12-year-old football player who died in a heat-related emergency in 2016, mandates coaches in South Fulton youth sports programs receive heat-related training. It also requires water vessels at city park facilities to cool body temperatures in heat-related emergencies.
Tolbert's mother has fought for years for legislation to protect youth athletes. Michelle Wright made an emotional plea in March during a hearing on a proposed bill for the second time in three years.
Michelle Wright has fought for years for legislation to protect youth athletes. (FOX 5 Atlanta) (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Councilwoman Helen Willis criticized the General Assembly failing to pass statewide legislation. She said the water vessels cost about $200.
"This was a no-brainer," Willis said. "The state legislator got this wrong."
Wright hopes the city policy will lead to more changes in other cities or at the state level.
"All I can say is, I have been fighting for six years and I will continue to fight," she said.
Johnny Tolbert collapsed at Welcome All Park in Fulton County during a recreation league football practice. The family's attorney said it was 93 degrees, 36% humidity when he collapsed in July 2016. (Provided photo)
Johnny Tolbert collapsed at Welcome All Park in Fulton County during a football practice. The family's attorney said it was 93 degrees, 36% humidity when he collapsed in July 2016.
Willis called the ordinance the first step to saving young athletes. Willis said she plans to work with counterparts in neighboring cities to get similar measures passed.
"While they will be safe here in the city, when they leave, I want them to have that same safety," Willis said.