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WBGT Heat Modification Policy for Athletics and Activities

(Fall/Spring Sports, Marching Band, Spirit/Cheer & Dance)

The MSHSAA Board of Directors approved the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) as the recommended measurement practice and device for measuring acceptable heat and humidity levels for practices and contests. The use of WBGT is recommended throughout the calendar year when ambient temperature is above 80 degrees.

Due to minimally controlled timing, quality, and quantity of participation, middle school–aged student participants require different WBGT readings and associated modifications from their high school counterparts.

Member schools can secure and use instruments found on the suggested list of WBGTs located on the Sports Medicine page at www.mshsaa.org.

WBGT Activity Guidelines & Rest Breaks

WBGT Less Than 82

Middle School / High School

Normal Activities

  • Provide at least three (3) separate rest breaks per hour

  • Minimum duration of 3 minutes each

  • Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise/practice

WBGT 82.1 – 83.9 (Middle School)

WBGT 82.1 – 86.9 (High School)

  • Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise/practice

  • Watch at-risk participants carefully

  • Provide separate rest breaks each hour

  • Minimum duration of 4 minutes each

WBGT 84.0 – 86.9 (Middle School)

WBGT 87.0 – 89.9 (High School)

  • Maximum practice time: 2 hours

Football

  • Players restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice

  • If WBGT rises to this level during practice, players may continue to work out wearing football pants without changing to shorts

All Sports / Marching Band / Spirit

  • Provide at least four (4) separate rest breaks per hour

  • Minimum duration of 4 minutes each

WBGT 87.0 – 90.0 (Middle School)

WBGT 90.0 – 92.0 (High School)

  • Maximum practice time: 1 hour

Football

  • No protective equipment may be worn during practice

  • There may be NO conditioning activities

All Sports / Marching Band / Spirit

  • Must have 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed throughout the hour

Games / Contests / Performances

  • Implement additional official timeouts for water breaks due to unusual heat, humidity, or environmental conditions that may create risks for participants

WBGT Greater Than 90 (Middle School)

WBGT Greater Than 92 (High School)

No Outdoor Workouts

  • Cancel or delay practices and competitions until a cooler WBGT is reached

  • Indoor workouts may be permitted in an air-conditioned environment