Triangle High Schools Enforce New Heat Safety Protocols For Athletes
As a dangerous heat wave grips the Triangle, local high schools are putting strict safety measures in place to protect student-athletes during outdoor practices. With temperatures soaring and humidity levels high, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has mandated new protocols aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses.
Heat stroke, the most serious of these conditions, can lead to permanent disability—or even death—if not addressed quickly. In response, many schools are now using Wet Bulb Globe Thermometers (WBGTs), which measure not just temperature, but humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover to assess true heat stress levels. These readings help schools determine whether practices should be shortened, moved indoors, or canceled altogether.
The protocols include:
- Modified practice schedules during peak heat hours
- Mandatory water breaks and cooling stations
- Emergency response plans for heat-related incidents
Parents are urged to talk to coaches and school officials about their school’s heat safety procedures and emergency action plans to ensure their children are protected while participating in sports.
As high school sports ramp up across the region, officials stress that awareness and prevention are key to keeping students safe during extreme summer conditions.
