Schools

Protecting Student Athletes in the Heat

Gwinnett County Public Schools uses guidelines based on National Athletic Trainers Association recommendations to protect students from heat injuries.

Gwinnett County schools are keeping their current practices in place for protecting students from heat-related incidents during outdoor practices.

Other school districts -- including nearby DeKalb County -- have altered their procedures, following the recent heat-related deaths of two high school football players in the state. , with heat index values soaring to 105 degrees or higher.

"We continue to follow the procedures we have in place when practicing outdoors," said Jorge Quintana, spokesman for Gwinnett County Public Schools. "Our practices typically take place
either very early in the morning or in the evening. Our teachers and coaches measure the heat index and make adjustments following these
procedures."

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Mark Kimbro, athletic director at , said the team uses the Weather Channel, as well as a wet bulb thermometer to calculate local heat and humidity. About 30 minutes prior to the start of activity, these readings should be taken, according to the school district's guidelines.

"Our trainers are constantly checking these and making adjustments as
needed," he said. "They also keep all of the teams around the campus informed of their readings."

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Scott Woodall, athletic director for South Gwinnett High School, said Thursday that the school had not experienced any heat-related problems.

We are beginning our practices much later in the day to avoid the extreme temperatures," he said. "For example, has been moved to 6:30 pm to avoid the hot afternoon temperatures. Coaches have been giving water breaks frequently and closely monitoring players as they practice."

According to the county's guidelines, coaches and staff should use their professional judgement regarding each situation that arises.

If a high reading indicates that activity should be decreased (at or above a head index of 95 degrees), then additional readings must be taken to decide if practice should be eliminated or other preventative steps should be taken.

Gwinnett County's Guidelines:

Under heat index of 95 degrees, “Green Flag”

All Sports

  • Provide ample amounts of water, meaning water is always available at regular intervals, and that athletes can drink as much as they want.
  • Optional water breaks approximately every 30 - 45 minutes for about 10 minutes in duration.
  • Ice-down towels for cooling.
  • Watch athletes carefully for necessary action.

Heat index of 95 degrees to 99 degrees, “Yellow Flag”

All Sports

  • Provide ample amounts of water, meaning water is always available at regular intervals, and that athletes can drink as much as they want.
  • Mandatory water breaks approximately every 30 - 45 minutes for about 10 minutes in duration.
  • Ice-down towels for cooling.
  • Watch athletes carefully for necessary action.

Contact Sports

  • Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.
  • Reduce time of outside activity.
    • RECOMMENDATION: Practice should not exceed 2-1/2 hours. Consider moving practice to morning or later in the day.
  • Re-check temperature and heat index every 30 minutes to monitor for increased risks.

Heat index of 100 degrees to 105 degrees, “Red Flag”

All Sports

  • Provide ample amounts of water, meaning water is always available at regular intervals, and that athletes can drink as much as they want.
  • Mandatory water breaks approximately every 30 - 45 minutes for about 10 minutes in duration.
  • Ice-down towels for cooling.
  • Watch athletes carefully for necessary action.
  • Alter uniforms by removing items if possible.
  • Allow for changes to dry T-shirts and shorts.
  • Reduce time of outside activity, as well as indoor activity if air conditioning is not available.
    • RECOMMENDATION: Practice length should be two hours or less. Consider moving practice to morning or later in the day with limited conditioning.

Contact Sports (Activities with additional equipment, as well.)

  • Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.
    • RECOMMENDATION: Football wears helmets, T-shirts and shorts.
  • Re-check temperature and heat index every 30 minutes for increased risks.

Heat index above 105 degrees, “Black Flag”

All Sports

  • Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play, and stop all inside activity if air conditioning is unavailable.


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