Last week was what is referred to as “Dead Week” by the Georgia High School Association By-Laws. The name is given to the July 4th holiday week by the association.

Association bylaws state: “During the summer (i.e., between the ending of one school year and the beginning of the next) the only restrictions on practices and competition are that all activities must be strictly voluntary, and the “Dead Week” must be observed, as follows: Schools are prohibited from participating in voluntary workouts, camps and/or clinics, weight training or competitions during the week (Sunday through Saturday) in which the Fourth of July falls each year.”

“I love the dead period. It’s great for families, kids and coaches to not have to worry about sports for a short time period,” said Dawson County High School Athletic Director Grady Turner.

Thad Burgess, head boys’ basketball coach, said: “It’s a great idea. It allows us all a chance to get away from all off-season activities. I think it’s perfect for us at Dawson County. I can get my basketball summer program done in June. The players then have a week off before they begin football or they take their family vacations after the dead week period.”

Head football coach Jeff Lee’s Tigers were not able to do anything in the weight room or on the field during the week.

The Tigers were able to return to offseason workouts July 12.

Lee’s team began to get ready for camps at Presbyterian College and a passing camp at Pickens County High School.

The earliest practice date is Aug. 1 in full equipment.

“At first, a couple of years ago, I didn’t think I would like the off-week, but now it gives us time to be with our families and the kids get a break,” Lee said. “Our players have time to re-charge, go on vacation, and generally rest until we really crank up practice in July.”

The Tigers worked on speed drills, agilities and weights in June. The quarterbacks and receivers threw and caught during the time period.

The dead week gave them a chance to re-charge before camp begins.

Spring practice, along with the players hard work in the weight room, agilities, speed drills and extra workouts have kept the Tigers in great shape when the preseason practices begin.

Hopefully, the Dawson players took the July 4th week and spent time with their friends and family before the “Dog Days” of summer practice kick in this month.