During another hot Summer and Fall, the GHSA urges all coaches and players to please train smart and stay safe. During conditioning and fall practice, the GHSA would like to remind everyone of the heat and humidity policies that are in place for ALL sports - not just football.
Schools must follow the statewide policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts (this policy is year-round, including during the summer) in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity that will be signed by each head coach at the beginning of each season and distributed to all players and their parents or guardians. The policy shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:
(1) The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels.
(2) The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels.
(3) The heat/humidity levels that will result in practice being terminated.
A scientifically-approved instrument that measures the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature must be utilized at each practice to ensure that the written policy is being followed properly. WBGT readings should be taken every hour, beginning 30 minutes before the beginning of practice.
Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity
GHSA Heat Index Measurement & Record Chart
Frequently Asked Questions Re: GHSA Heat Policy
Here are some clarifications to the Heat and Humidity Policy:
- Once a WBGT reading has reached a WBGT reading range and the reading has stayed in that range for 15 minutes, practice restrictions for that range are in place (can’t revert to a lower range).
- If during the same practice the WGBT reading reaches a higher WBGT reading range and the reading has stayed in that range for 15 minutes, practice restrictions are in place for the new range (can’t revert to a lower range).
- If practice hasn’t started and the WBGT reading if Over 92.0, No outdoor workouts are allowed. Schools should delay the start of practice until a cooler WBGT level is reached.
- A scientifically-approved instrument that measures the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature must be utilized. NOTE: Phone apps are not scientifically-approved at this time.
- All WBGT monitors shall be calibrated, at a minimum, every two (2) years or earlier if recommended by the manufacturer.
Thanks and remember to stay safe.
