Cedar Springs Public School District
Administrative Guidelines
 

2431.01 - PROCEDURES FOR MANAGING HEAT AND HUMIDITY IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

These procedures reflect the requirements of the MHSAA "model policy" as adopted by the Representative Council, in order to minimize the risk of heat-related illness in interscholastic athletic programs.

Thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of an activity, and again sixty (60) minutes after the start of that activity, take temperature and humidity readings at the site of the activity. Using a digital sling psychrometer is recommended. Record the readings in writing and maintain the information in files of school administration. The Athletic Director is responsible for these duties.

Factor the temperature and humidity into the Heat Index Calculator and Chart to determine the Heat Index. If a digital sling psychrometer is being used, the calculation is automatic.

If the Heat Index is below 95° degrees:

All Sports
 

A.

Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
   
 

B.

Optional water breaks every thirty (30) minutes for ten (10) minutes in duration.
   
 

C.

Ice-down towels for cooling.
   
 

D.

Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.

If the Heat Index is 95° degrees to 99° degrees:

All Sports
 

A.

Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
   
 

B.

Optional water breaks every thirty (30) minutes for ten (10) minutes in duration.
   
 

C.

Ice-down towels for cooling.
   
 

D.

Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.

Contact sports and activities with additional equipment
 

A.

Helmets and other possible equipment removed while not involved in contact.
   
 

B.

Reduce time of outside activity. Consider postponing practice to later in the day.
   
 

C.

Recheck temperature and humidity every thirty (30) minutes to monitor for increase Heat Index.

If the Heat Index is above 99° degrees to 104° degrees:

All Sports
 

A.

Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
   
 

B.

Mandatory water breaks every thirty (30) minutes for ten (10) minutes in duration.
   
 

C.

Ice-down towels for cooling.
   
 

D.

Water/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
     
 

E.

Alter uniform by removing items if possible.
   
 

F.

Allow for changes to dry t-shirts and shorts.
   
 

G.

Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air conditioning is unavailable.
   
 

H.

Postpone practice to later in the day.

Contact sports and activities with additional equipment
 

A.

Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.
   
 

B.

If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
   
 

C.

Recheck temperature and humidity every thirty (30) minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index.

If the Heat Index is above 104° degrees:

All sports

Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play, and stop all inside activity if air conditioning is unavailable.

(Note: When the temperature is below 80° degrees there is no combination of heat and humidity that will result in need to curtail activity.)

MHSAA Model Policy for Managing Heat and Humidity (March 2013)