Heat Guidelines

TUSD Heat Guidelines

Coaches, staff, and administrators are expected to exercise good judgment in evaluating the appropriate activities given the current conditions and adjusting activities appropriately.
Water should always be available during practice and outdoor activities. Proper hydration is imperative during high heat conditions; this includes water activities such as swimming and water polo. Coaches, staff, and administration should encourage water consumption during each break.
Sunscreen and appropriate clothing are highly encouraged in all situations.

Site administration needs to monitor conditions for all “away” athletic competitions and ensure these guidelines are being followed for our TUSD coaches, athletes, and staff. In consultation with the Business Services office, cancellation or postponement of start times based on hourly forecasts may be required.

Should there be a possibility of canceling or postponing start times based on hourly forecasts, site administration needs to consult with the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and, if determined, inform visiting teams as well as hosting teams for away competitions of our policy and potential cancellations or postponements by 11 AM the day of the competition.

For athletic practices and competitions, Athletic Trainers, Athletic Directors, and/or Site Administrators are expected to monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ("WBGT") on-the-ground conditions using the Kestrel 5400 WBGT Heat Stress Tracker & Weather Meter at the start, and every 30 minutes, during Orange, Red, or Purple heat advisory periods.
Vigorous activity is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as activities greater than 6.0 Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METS). Specific examples can be found HERE.

Heat Protocols

Each day the following process is used to advise school sites of heat conditions:

Weather agencies issue the daily forecast.
Prior to 11 AM, the Safety Office reviews the forecasts and compares to current condition. Any current condition other than GREEN or YELLOW is forwarded to the following: Principal(s), Assistant Principal(s), Site Administrative Secretaries, Athletic Director(s), Athletic Trainer(s), District Communication Coordinator.
School Sites will implement the Color Code Alerts as indicated below. Temperature conditions listed below and activity restrictions apply to outdoor and un-conditioned indoor spaces.
Staff and students will be notified by site administration regarding any current condition color other than GREEN or YELLOW.
The Safety Office will issue updates as they may occur that day.

Publications

Coaches Quick Guide to Inclement Weather

TUSD Safety Guidelines for Inclement Weather

The Turlock Unified School District has implemented a Heat Advisory System to monitor data regarding extreme heat and to notify site administrators of conditions that could affect activities for students and staff. The administration monitors reports by The Weather Channel and other reporting agencies each day to determine the forecast and real-time heat conditions.The District employs a 5-levelcolor system to advise students and staff of the forecast and current conditions.

Heat Levels

1. Green

2. Yellow

The temperature is “moderate” (temperature or heat index between 86-89 degrees is potentially unhealthy). Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity. Outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities will be permitted for all students and staff. Adequate water supply should be provided at all practices and competitions with breaks every 20-30 minutes for rehydration.

3. Orange

The temperature is “acute” (temperature or heat index between 90-94 degrees is potentially unhealthy). Sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible. Frequent breaks from physical activities should occur on orange days. Individuals should seek shade and water during breaks.

Non-Athletic Activities – A 5-minute break every 30 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 2 hours. Athletics – Measure WBGT and follow specific WBGT guidelines.

4. Red

The temperature is “severe” (temperature or heat index between 95-104 degrees is unhealthy). Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are likely; heat stroke is possible. On red days, individuals should limit outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities; alternative indoor activities will be made available in conditioned spaces for all students. Frequent breaks from physical activities should occur on red days. Individuals should seek shade and water during breaks.

For temperature or heat index of 95 to 99 degrees:

Non-Athletic Activities – Grass fields are preferred for all outdoor activities. A 5-minute break every 20 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 2 hours.
Athletics – Measure WBGT and follow specific WBGT guidelines.

For temperature or heat index of 100 to 104 degrees:

Non-Athletic Activities – Grass fields are required for all outdoor activities. Vigorous activities should be eliminated. A 5-minute break every 20 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 1 hour.
Athletics – Measure WBGT and follow specific WBGT guidelines.

5. Purple

The temperature is “extreme” (temperature or heat index of 105 degrees or above is unhealthy). Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion is likely to occur. Heat stroke is highly likely with continued exposure. On purple days, individuals should avoid outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities; alternative indoor activities will be made available in conditioned spaces for all students. Frequent breaks from physical activities should occur on purple days. Individuals should seek shade and water during breaks.

Non-Athletic Activities – All outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities should be canceled or postponed until conditions allow.
Athletics – Measure WBGT and follow specific WBGT guidelines.

WGBT Policy for Athletics

WBGT 90-90.9 Degrees

All Athletic Activities – Grass fields are preferred for all outdoor activities. A 5-minute break every 20 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor or un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 2 hours.
Cross Country - Runners should run a course where all athletes can be viewed by a coach at all times, preferably on campus.
Football – Full pads allowed with helmets off during breaks.
Tennis – Modified practice or appropriate skill building exercises should be held on grass fields or in conditioned indoor spaces.

WBGT 87-89.9 Degrees

All Athletic Activities – A 5-minute break every 30 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor and un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 2 hours.
Cross Country - Runners should run a course where all athletes can be viewed by a coach at all times, preferably on campus.
Football – Full pads allowed with helmets off during breaks.

WBGT 91-91.9 Degrees

Middle School Athletics

All outdoor or un-conditioned indoor activities, including athletic competitions, should be canceled or postponed.

High School Athletics

All Athletic Activities – No practice on artificial turf fields, blacktop, or tennis courts. A 5-minute break every 15 minutes (in the shade if possible) must be included. Total outdoor or un-conditioned indoor activities should not exceed 1.5 hours preferably on campus.
Cross Country - Runners must run a course where all athletes can be viewed by a coach at all times, preferably on campus.
Football - T-shirts, shorts and helmets only for practice with helmets off during breaks. Increased breaks and substitutions for competitions. Tennis – Modified practice or appropriate skill building exercises should be held on grass fields or in a conditioned indoor space.

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