Practicing in the Summer Heat
Safety is our highest priority. These first few weeks of summer/fall practice are of particular concern as our athletes and band members become acclimatized to the hot and humid weather as they prepare for their upcoming seasons and performances.
Special attention will be given to the problems the combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause our students in outdoor practices. The Hall County School System has guidelines in place to adjust practice activities as a result of climate conditions that all of our schools follow.
These procedures have been recommended by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and endorsed by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).
GHSA Guidelines
Practicing in Extreme Heat (GHSA Guidelines)
Schools must follow the statewide policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity. The policy shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:
- The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels
- The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels
- The heat/humidity level that will result in practice being terminated
A scientifically approved instrument that measures Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reading must be utilized at each practice to ensure that the written policy is being followed properly.
