Athletic Heat Safety: Understanding WBGT and CIF Protocols
The health and safety of our student-athletes is always our first priority. While we want our athletes to practice, compete, grow, and succeed, athletic performance will never come before their well-being.
One important part of Rancho Christian’s daily athletic safety procedures is monitoring the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, commonly known as WBGT.
What Is WBGT?
WBGT is different from the temperature or “feels like” temperature displayed in a weather app. It is designed specifically to measure the level of heat stress experienced by the body during physical activity.
WBGT considers several environmental factors, including:
Air temperature
Humidity
Wind speed
Sun angle
Solar radiation and cloud cover
Because student-athletes are exercising and competing outdoors, WBGT provides a more accurate picture of the conditions they are experiencing during athletic activity.
How WBGT Affects Practices and Competitions
CIF has established heat-safety protocols that schools are required to follow. Depending on the WBGT reading and our designated regional category, practices and competitions may need to be modified.
These adjustments may include:
Additional hydration and rest breaks
Reduced practice intensity
Changes to equipment or activities
Moving activities indoors or to a cooler location
Shortening, delaying, or rescheduling an activity
Canceling a practice or competition when necessary
When WBGT conditions exceed CIF’s established limits, an activity must be delayed or canceled until conditions are safe.
Our Athletic Trainer’s Role
Rancho Christian’s athletic trainer monitors WBGT readings and environmental conditions daily, then communicates appropriate recommendations to our coaches and Athletic Department.
Based on the current conditions and CIF guidelines, our athletic trainer advises coaches about any necessary modifications and whether activities can safely proceed.
As a result, a practice may look different from what was originally planned. These decisions are always made with one priority in mind: the health and safety of our student-athletes.
How Parents Can Help
Parents and families play an important role in helping athletes prepare for warm-weather activity. Please encourage your student-athlete to:
Arrive at practice properly hydrated.
Drink water consistently throughout the day.
Eat appropriately before athletic activity.
Tell a coach or athletic trainer when they do not feel well.
Take heat-related symptoms seriously and never attempt to “push through” them.
We also ask families to understand that when an activity is modified, moved, shortened, delayed, or canceled because of heat conditions, the decision is being made intentionally and in accordance with CIF safety protocols.
We would much rather adjust one practice than take an unnecessary risk with the health of one student.
At Rancho Christian, our responsibility extends far beyond wins and losses. The health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes will always come first.
Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to provide a safe, positive, and successful athletic experience for every Rancho Christian student-athlete.