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Student athletes and marching band members across Texas may see shorter, delayed or even canceled outdoor practices this school year under new heat safety rules now required by the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
The updated protocols are designed to better protect students from heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures continue across the state.
Rather than relying only on the heat index, schools are now required to use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to assess outdoor conditions before and during practices.
The WBGT measures more than just air temperature. It factors in humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to determine the amount of heat stress a person experiences outdoors.
Schools must record the WBGT at least 15 minutes before outdoor practices begin and every 30 minutes while activities are underway.
Depending on the reading, schools may be required to:
The new requirements apply not only to athletic teams but also to marching bands and other UIL outdoor activities.
Dr. Benedict Ifedi, a sports medicine physician with Memorial Hermann, said the updated guidelines are especially important in Southeast Texas, where high humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
"Here in Houston, we joke it's not the heat, it's the humidity," Ifedi said. "Humidity can be a big factor, especially for people who aren't acclimated to it. These changes can help prevent heat injury and exertional heat stroke."
The new protocols also require schools to have rapid cooling methods available if a student shows signs of a heat-related emergency.
Ifedi said that could include an ice bath or Tarp-Assisted Cooling with Oscillation (TACO), a technique that uses a tarp, ice and water to quickly lower a person's body temperature.
"One of the big changes is the requirement to have rapid cooling available," Ifedi said. "Whether it be an ice tub or TACO, the goal is to rapidly cool what may be a dangerously high body temperature."
Because of the new guidelines, many schools are scheduling outdoor practices during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening hours.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at [email protected] or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.
Continue reading...
The updated protocols are designed to better protect students from heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures continue across the state.
Rather than relying only on the heat index, schools are now required to use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to assess outdoor conditions before and during practices.
The WBGT measures more than just air temperature. It factors in humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to determine the amount of heat stress a person experiences outdoors.
Schools must record the WBGT at least 15 minutes before outdoor practices begin and every 30 minutes while activities are underway.
Depending on the reading, schools may be required to:
- Increase water and rest breaks.
- Limit the equipment athletes wear.
- Shorten practice times.
- Delay or cancel outdoor activities altogether.
The new requirements apply not only to athletic teams but also to marching bands and other UIL outdoor activities.
Dr. Benedict Ifedi, a sports medicine physician with Memorial Hermann, said the updated guidelines are especially important in Southeast Texas, where high humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
"Here in Houston, we joke it's not the heat, it's the humidity," Ifedi said. "Humidity can be a big factor, especially for people who aren't acclimated to it. These changes can help prevent heat injury and exertional heat stroke."
The new protocols also require schools to have rapid cooling methods available if a student shows signs of a heat-related emergency.
Ifedi said that could include an ice bath or Tarp-Assisted Cooling with Oscillation (TACO), a technique that uses a tarp, ice and water to quickly lower a person's body temperature.
"One of the big changes is the requirement to have rapid cooling available," Ifedi said. "Whether it be an ice tub or TACO, the goal is to rapidly cool what may be a dangerously high body temperature."
Because of the new guidelines, many schools are scheduling outdoor practices during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening hours.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at [email protected] or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.
Continue reading...
