Heat Index Guidelines

Heat Index under 95°

All sports:

Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths
If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf
Stay away from energy drinks--water is the best for hydration and recovery
Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles

Here is a link to the MSHSL information. Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL info.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature chart is a great tool to use. It is more accurate than the heat index.

Also "Click Here" links on page 5.

Heat Index 95° to 99°

All sports:

Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action

Contact sports:

Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact
Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths
If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf
Stay away from energy drinks--water is the best for hydration and recovery
Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles

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

Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index

Here is a link to the MSHSL information. Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL info.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature chart is a great tool to use. It is more accurate than the heat index.

Also "Click Here" links on page 5.

Heat index 100° to 104°

All sports:

Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
Alter uniform by removing items if possible
Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air conditioning unavailable
Postpone practice to later in day if possible

Contact sports and activities with additional equipment

Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety. If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
Provide cold tubs or child pool for water or ice baths
If on artificial turf (not sure how many this would impact) have water source to cool down turf
Stay away from energy drinks--water is the best for hydration and recovery
Take breaks in shaded areas when possible or in air conditioned buildings or vehicles

Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index

Here is a link to the MSHSL information. Please see Part 3 of the MSHSL info.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature chart is a great tool to use. It is more accurate than the heat index.

Also "Click Here" links on page 5.

Heat index above 104°

All sports:

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

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