CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

DURING EXTREME HOT AND HUMID WEATHER

• Each school shall have and use a digital psychrometer, or a similar device for measuring environmental factors. The digital psychrometer is used to measure the Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT), which is derived by evaluating the combined dry air temperature, humidity, ground radiated heat and the wind speed at that particular location. Conditions are subject to change during the practice/activity; therefore, measurements should be taken at regular intervals throughout the practice/activity. Measurements should be taken at the practice/activity site.

o All Activities: Monitor and follow all guidelines. o Football Only: Will be required to measure and document the Wet Bulb Temperature

(WBT) prior to outdoor practice through the month of August, during spring practice in May, and other times when conditions warrant. This can be done by the school athletic director, athletic trainer or a football coach.

• Practices and games should be held early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid times when environmental conditions are generally more severe.

• An unlimited supply of cold water shall be available to participants during practices and games. o Coaches/Supervisors shall inform all students participating that cold water is always

available and accessible and they will be given permission anytime he/she asks for water.

o Hydration and fluid replacement is a daily process. Students should hydrate themselves before, during, and after practice. Meals should include an appropriate amount of fluid intake in addition to a healthy diet.

• Give adequate rest periods. Remove appropriate equipment or clothing when possible. Exposed skin cools more efficiently.

o Football players shall be allowed to remove helmets. o Shoulder pads should be removed if conditions warrant.

• Gradually acclimatize participants to the heat. o Research indicates 80% acclimatization may be achieved in 7-10 days, but could take to

14 days. In some cases, it may take several weeks to become fully acclimated. o The length and intensity of practice should be adjusted according to the WBT until

acclimatization occurs. • Athletic participants should weigh in before practice and weigh out after practice to monitor water

loss and to identify those who are becoming dehydrated. • Participants should wear clothes that are light in weight and color. • Students who need careful monitoring include:

o Overweight students o Weight control problems (fluctuation) o Those taking over-the-counter and prescription medication o Students who have done absolutely no exercise at all

• Be familiar with all heat related symptoms and corresponding treatments. • Be familiar with any emergency and 911 procedures. • Be familiar with the Wet Bulb Temperature Chart and utilize these guidelines determining length

of practice and rest periods. • Any directives from the Central Office must be strictly followed.

Any questions or concerns should be addressed to Supervisor of Student Activities and Athletics (770) 704-4350.

HEAT INDEX CHART This Heat Index Chart provides general guidelines for assessing the potential severity of heat stress. Individual reactions to heat will vary. It should be remembered that heat illness can occur at lower temperatures than indicated on the chart. In addition, studies indicate that susceptibility to heat illness tends to increase with age. HOW TO USE THE HEAT INDEX CHART 1. Across the top of the chart locate the ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE. 2. Down the left side of the chart, locate the RELATIVE HUMIDITY. 3. Follow across and down to find the APPARENT TEMPERATURE. Apparent Temperature is the

combined index of heat and humidity. It is an index of the body’s sensation of heat caused by the temperature and humidity (the reverse of the “wind chill factor”).

Note: Exposure to Full Sunshine Can Increase Heat Index Values by up to 15°F

HEAT INDEX ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE (Fº)

70º 75º 80º 85º 90º 95º 100º 105º 110º 115º 120º RELATIVE HUMIDITY APPARENT TEMPERATURE*

0% 64º 69º 73º 78º 83º 87º 91º 95º 99º 103º 107º 10% 65º 70º 75º 80º 85º 90º 95º 100º 105º 111º 116º 20% 66º 72º 77º 82º 87º 93º 99º 105º 112º 120º 130º 30% 67º 73º 78º 84º 90º 96º 104º 113º 123º 135º 148º 40% 68º 74º 79º 86º 93º 101º 110º 123º 137º 151º

50% 69º 75º 81º 88º 96º 107º 120º 135º 150º

60% 70º 76º 82º 90º 100º 114º 132º 149º

70% 70º 77º 85º 93º 106º 124º 144º

80% 71º 78º 86º 97º 113º 136º

90% 71º 79º 88º 102º 122º

100% 72º 80º 91º 108º

* Combined index of heat and humidity…what it “feels like” to the body Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Note: This Heat Index Chart is designed to provide general guidelines for assessing the potential severity of heat stress. Individual reactions to heat will vary. It should be remembered that heat illness can occur at lower temperatures than indicated on the chart. In addition, studies indicate that susceptibility to heat disorders tends to increase with age.

Apparent Temperature

90º - 105º (Fº)

105º - 130º (Fº)

130º and Up (Fº)

Heat Stress Risk with Physical Activity and/or Prolonged Exposure

Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion Possible

Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion Likely, Heat Stroke Possible

Heat Stroke Highly Likely

HEAT ILLNESS SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS (As Recommended by the National Athletic Trainers Association, July 1999)

Definition Symptoms Treatment

Heat Cramps Muscle spasms caused by an imbalance of water and electrolytes in muscles

• Usually affects the legs and abdominal muscles • Rest in a cool place • Drink plenty of fluids • Proper stretching and massaging • Application of ice in some cases

Heat Exhaustion Can be a precursor to heat stroke • Normal to high temperature • Heavy sweating • Skin is flushed or cool and pale • Headaches, dizziness • Rapid pulse, nausea, weakness • Physical collapse may occur • Can occur without prior symptoms, such as cramps

• Get to a cool place immediately and out of the heat

• Drink plenty of fluids • Remove excess clothing • In some cases, immerse body in cool

water

Heat Stroke Body’s cooling system shuts down • Increased core temperature of 104ºF or greater • It untreated it can cause brain damage, internal organ

damage, and even death • Sweating stops • Shallow breathing and rapid pulse • Possible disorientation or lose consciousness • Possible irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest

• Call 911 immediately • Cool bath with ice packs near large

arteries, such as neck, armpits, groin • Replenish fluids by drinking, or

intravenously if needed

FLUID REPLACEMENT (From the NATA)

Weight Lost During Workout Fluid Amount Needed to Refuel

2 pounds 32 oz. (4 cups or one sports drink bottle) 4 pounds 64 oz. (8 cups or two bottles) 6 pounds 96 oz. (12 cups or three bottles) 8 pounds 128 oz. (16 cups or four bottles)

GUIDELINES FOR HYDRATION DURING EXERCISE (From the NATA)

• Drink 16-24 oz. of fluid one to two hours before the workout or competition. • Drink 4-8 oz. of water or sports drink during every 20 minutes of exercise. • Drink before you feel thirsty. When you feel thirsty, you have already lost needed fluids.