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Wake County Public School System Hot Weather Guidelines For Athletic Practice

Per Board Policy 6860.14, WCPSS is following the Hot Weather Guidelines developed by the Sports Medicine Commission of the State Department of Public Instruction.  The following chart is based on the wet bulb readings acquired with the use of the sling or digital psychrometer.  It should be noted that wet bulb readings represent the temperature including the effect of evaporative cooling. This chart will be used by middle and high school athletic programs in determining the procedure and hydration schedule during hot weather conditions. Wet bulb readings are to be monitored by the Athletic Trainer or designee, and readings should be taken and recorded every 30 minutes on the Weather Conditions form.  The phrase (athletic trainer) as used in these guidelines will include licensed athletic trainers, first responders, and sports safety technicians (middle school only).

Wet-Bulb Temperature	Procedure For Football Practice	Procedure for Other Athletic Practices	Hydration Schedule
Less than 68°   Code White	No precautions necessary except close observation of those athletes most susceptible to heat illness   (See Pre and Post Weigh-Ins below for definition of susceptible athlete)	No precautions necessary except close observation of those athletes with a medical history of heat illness or have reported symptoms of heat illness to the athletic trainer during the season.	5 min. water break every 30 min.
68.1°-74.9°   Code Green	Unlimited amounts of water be made available on the field.  Ice water preferable.  Athletes may obtain water at any time.  Full gear may be worn.  Coaches should monitor all athletes, especially those most susceptible to heat illness.	Unlimited amounts of water be made available on the field.  Ice water preferable.  Athletes may obtain water at any time.  Coaches should monitor all athletes, especially those with a medical history of heat illness or have reported symptoms of heat illness to the athletic trainer during the season.	5 min. water break every 20 min.
75°-78.9° Code Yellow	Unlimited amounts of water be made available on the field.  Ice water preferable. Athletes may obtain water at any time.  Remove helmets unless active in drill. Coaches should monitor all athletes.  Susceptible players practice in shirts and shorts only.	Same as Code Green except more frequent water breaks.	5 min. water break every 15 min.
79° - up Code Red	Unlimited amounts of water be made available on the field.  Ice water preferable. Athletes may obtain water at any time.  Lighten the practice routine and practice in shirts and shorts only.  No helmets or equipment may be worn.  Coaches should monitor all athletes, and withhold susceptible players from practice.	Unlimited amounts of water be made available on the field.  Ice water preferable. Athletes may obtain water at any time.  Lighten the practice routine.  Coaches should monitor all athletes.  May need to withhold athletes with a medical history of heat illness or have reported symptoms of heat illness to the athletic trainer during the season.	5 min. water break every 15 min.

Measuring Wet – Bulb Temperature with Digital Psychrometer Model SAM990DW

1. Remove plastic sensor cover and turn meter on by pressing the “ON/OFF” button.  Temperature and humidity readings will be displayed.
2. For Wet Bulb Function, press and hold the “td/WBT” button until (WB) appears on the left side of the display.  The Unit will now display the wet bulb temperature.  Intermittent flashing of (WB) indicates that the current reading is being calculated and updated due to constant changes in humidity and temperature in the environment.
3. The readings should be taken on the playing field with the digital psychrometer.  The person taking the reading should have his/her back turned to the sun with the digital psychrometer held in front of the body out of the direct sunlight.
4. Record the temperature and wet bulb temperature on the Weather Conditions form.

Please read and keep the directions for use of the Digital Psychrometer.  Information is provided on all the functions of this device including the Low Battery Indicator which means the 2 “AAA” batteries must be replaced at once for accurate readings.

Measuring Wet - Bulb Temperature with Mannix Sling Psychrometer Red Model SP100FR

Per Compact Sling Psychrometer Instructions:

1. Open the instrument by withdrawing the inner frame from the case.
2. Thoroughly wet the wick by placing the exposed end under cold running water or immersing it in water for about 30 seconds.  This will wet both the exposed wick and that coiled in the wick container.  Hot water must not be used as it may damage the thermometers.  The wick will remain moist for several hours.  Always check the wick is wet before taking any readings and ensure no moisture remains on the dry bulb.
3. To take a reading set the psychrometer at right angles and, holding the case, rotate the frame for 30 to 60 seconds at between 2 and 3 revolutions per second.
4. Stop revolving the instrument and note the Wet Bulb temperature (covered by wick).

Please read and keep the directions for use of the Sling Psychrometer.  Information is provided on all the functions of this device.  The Sling Psychrometer is intended for use as a manual backup-measuring device for the Digital Psychrometer.  The Digital Psychrometer does require battery replacement for accurate readings.

Athletic Participation Form

• Board Policy 6860 requires that all athletes receive a medical examination once every 365 days.
• The athletic trainer shall ensure that no athlete participate without fully completing the athletic participation form and being cleared to participate by authorized medical personnel.
• If an athleteÕs medical history shows that the athlete has suffered from a heat-related illness, the athlete shall receive one-on-one instruction from the athletic trainer or designee about symptoms of heat illness and the importance of hydration.

Pre and Post Weigh-Ins (Football Only)

• Pre and Post Weigh-Ins (Football Only)

  1. Daily pre and post practice weigh-ins should be taken and any athlete who is not within 3% of the previous days pre-practice weight should be withheld from practice.  Athletes who lose more than 3% of their weight during a practice should also be counseled on the importance of pre-hydrating, drinking more fluids during the practice session, and post practice re-hydration.  For high schools, weigh-ins must be done under the supervision of the head athletic trainer or designee beginning with the first day of fall practice and continuing to Labor Day.  On or after Labor Day, weigh-ins must be done any time the wet-bulb temperature is in the Code Yellow or Code Red category, and for athletes susceptible to heat illness (see #2 below).  For middle schools, weigh-ins must be done under the supervision of the athletic trainer or designee beginning with the first day of fall practice and continuing through September 30th.  After September 30th, weigh-ins must be done any time the wet-bulb temperature is in the Code Yellow or Code Red category, and for athletes susceptible to heat illness (see #2 below).  Note:  Supervision means making sure that pre and post weigh-ins are properly taken, recorded, and evaluated for 3% weight loss.  The football coach will help set provisions for weigh-ins for players (must include no weigh-in,/no practice rule and weigh-ins for players late to practice). 
     
     
  2. A list of athletes most susceptible to heat illness must be maintained by the athletic trainer and communicated to the coaching staff.  This list should include, but not be limited to, athletes with a medical history of heat illness, athletes losing more than 3% of their weight during a practice, and athletes that have reported symptoms of heat illness during the season to the athletic trainer.  Others more susceptible to heat illness are febrile illness (current or recent fever), taking medications (especially ones with a diuretic effect or that act as a stimulant), and sickle cell trait.
     
     
  3. The athletes most susceptible to heat illness should receive one-on-one instruction from the athletic trainer or designee about symptoms of heat illness and the importance of hydration.
     
     
  4. The athletic trainer or designee should recommend to athletes most susceptible to heat illness that they consult with their doctor for additional guidance.  If an athlete’s doctor informs the coaching staff or athletic trainer that the athlete has suffered a heat-related illness during the season, the athlete may not participate until cleared in writing by the doctor.

Coaches' and Athletes' Education

• The athletic trainer will provide the coaches with information on heat illness including heat illness symptoms and proper hydration. In case a middle school does not have a person filling the athletic trainer position, the athletic director will provide this information.
• Athletes should be informed of the importance of hydration, the symptoms of heat illness, and their personal responsibility to inform the athletic trainer or coaching staff if they suffer any symptoms of heat illness.
• Any coach notified or aware of any athlete exhibiting a symptom of heat illness shall notify the athletic trainer.

The Three Percent Limit Weight Chart

 

Effective Date: July 29, 2002

Wake County Public School System, 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518 | 919-431-7400