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Heat Index

Practices will be managed by each town under their own guidelines and responsibility except for Heat guidelines.  The league will follow the recommendations of the Arkansas Activities Association for games and practices.  Rules are below:

 

In 2019 the Arkansas Activities Association approved the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) as the recommended measurement device for measuring acceptable heat/humidity levels for practices.  The WBGT device is a measurement tool that uses ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind and solar radiation from the sun to get a measure that can be used to monitor environmental conditions during exercise. 

 

The American College of Sports Medicine has recommended WBGT guidelines that dictate modifications in activity (work:rest ratios, hydration breaks, equipment worn, length of practice) at given WBGT temperatures to prevent Exertional Heat Stroke.  The table below is to be used when the WBGT reaches an unsafe level. The table represents modified guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:

(1) The scheduling of practices at appropriate WBGT levels
(2) The ratio of workout time to  time allotted for rest and hydration at various WBGT levels
(3) The WBGT levels at which activities should be terminated

 

WBGT UNDER 82.0

Normal activities. Provide separate rest breaks each hour of practice. Breaks should equal 10 minutes per hour.

WBGT 82.0 - 86.9

Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise; watch at-risk players carefully; Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour for a minimum of 4 minutes in duration for each.

WBGT 87.0 - 89.9

Maximum length of participation within this range is 2 hours.

Football:players restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice, protective equipment must be removed for conditioning activities.

All Sports:there must be 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed throughout the hour of participation.

WBGT 90.0 - 92.0

Maximum length of participation with this range is 1 hour.

Football:no protective equipment may be worn. no conditioning activities.

All Sports:there must be 30 minutes of rest breaks distributed throughout the hour of participation.

WBGT OVER 92

No outdoor workouts. Delay practice until a cooler WBGT level is reached.