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The University Interscholastic League has introduced a new plan for the upcoming 2026-27 season to monitor the heat for upcoming outdoor activities.
The Wet Bulb Glode Temperature (WBGT) is mandatory for schools to use to monitor environmental conditions and guide activity modifications.
The WBGT was introduced to schools in 2023 as a recommendation, but the Medical Advisory Committee recommended the policy be mandated for all schools. The WBGT estimates the effect of the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation from a combination of three thermometers.
The American College of Sports Medicine said using the WBGT guidelines help dictate modifications to activities.
Schools are required to have an approved instrument that measures WBGT.
Every school will also be required to have a rapid cooling zone for the 202627 season. The rapid cooling zone is for an individual experiencing heat illness or distress and allows for full body immersion in ice water.
Coaches and directors are required to adopt a heat injury prevention philosophy by always having unrestricted access to water, and a student-athlete must never be denied access to water.
Other recommendations made are alternate start times for practices and competitions to allow for the best conditions possible. Allow athletes to warm up in the air conditioning before organized warmups begin. Ice towels and sponges as well as a longer halftime period to ensure a more complete cool down and hydration/refueling process.
WBGT readings should be taken 15 minutes prior to the start of every practice to ensure accuracy. It is also recommended that whenever possible the same person makes the WBGT readings every time to ensure consistency.
