Heat Protocol

Guidelines and Recommendations for Practicing

During Periods of Heat Stress

• It is recommended that athletes weigh themselves prior to and immediately following practices.

  • Athletes losing 3% of their body weight or greater during practice may not return to practice until they are properly rehydrated. Scales will be in the Athletic Training Room and weight room.

• During periods of heat stress, a member of the sports medicine personnel will record a Wet Bulb Globe

  • Thermometer (WBGT) reading before practice on days when it is felt that heat related illness could be at a higher risk and the following protocol is recommended for making decisions concerning activity during periods of heat stress using the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer.

  • Individuals identified as being prone to heat stress will be treated on an individual basis to reduce heat stress.

In general:

1. WBGT <79.9 -  Minimum of three 3 minute water breaks every hour.*

2. WBGT 80.0-84.5 - Minimum of three 5 minute water breaks every hour.*

3. WBGT 84.6-87.5 - 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed through each hour of practice. Maximum practice time 2 hours. No new games can start (may finish games in progress). Football in shorts if possible.*

4. WBGT 87.6-89.9 - 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed through the hour of practice. Maximum practice time 1 hour. No new games can start (may finish games in progress). Football no protective equipment, no conditioning. Consider postponing games/ practices

5. WBGT 89.8+ -  No outdoor workouts.

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* Individuals prone to heat stress may be given more frequent or extended breaks to replace fluids and cool down body temperature.

**If WBGT 90+ are anticipated the day of practice or game the Sports Medicine team and the Athletic Department will work together to notify coaches of any apparent dangers and alterations that will be made to the schedule or location.

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Heat Index Chart:

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