The whistle blows, practice begins, and within minutes, the players are dripping with sweat. After the first series of drills, one athlete complains of muscle cramps. The coach assumes it's all part of getting in shape for the season. But then the player says he feels nauseated, and his skin feels hot and dry.
Heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly, but they are also highly preventable with proper planning and preparation. By implementing proactive safety measures before the season begins and adjusting activities based on changing weather conditions, schools can significantly reduce the risk of serious heat-related emergencies.
Here are five essential strategies every school should follow to help keep student-athletes safe in the heat.
1. Develop a Heat Safety Plan Before the Season Starts
Schools should have a written heat illness prevention and emergency response plan for all outdoor athletics and physical activities. The plan should define:
- When practices or games will be modified or canceled based on weather conditions
- Who is responsible for monitoring heat conditions
- Emergency procedures for suspected heat illness
- Staff training requirements
Being intentional and proactive is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious heat-related illness.
2. Train Staff to Recognize and Respond to Heat Illness
Coaches, athletic trainers, teachers, and other staff should know the signs of heat-related illness. Train staff how to respond immediately at the first signs of heat illness.
Early symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weakness
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include confusion or altered mental status, collapse with or without loss of consciousness, and hot skin.
If heat stroke is suspected, immediately call 911, and begin rapid cooling until emergency medical personnel arrive.
3. Acclimatize Athletes Gradually
The first days of preseason practices present the highest risk for heat illness.
Schools should:
- Gradually increase practice length and intensity over 1 to 2 weeks
- Slowly introduce protective equipment (such as football pads)
- Avoid intense conditioning sessions during the first several days
Gradual acclimatization allows the body to adapt to exercising in hot weather and significantly reduces the risk of heat illness.
4. Prioritize Hydration, Rest, and Cooling
Preventing heat illness starts with giving students regular opportunities to cool down.
Schools should:
- Ensure unlimited access to water
- Schedule frequent hydration breaks
- Provide shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas
- Encourage lightweight, breathable clothing
- Allow athletes to remove unnecessary equipment during breaks when appropriate
Students should never be discouraged from drinking water or taking cooling breaks.
5. Continue to Monitor Heat Conditions and Modify Activities
Schools should monitor temperature, humidity, and heat index before and during outdoor activities.
When conditions become dangerous, schools should:
- Shorten practices
- Increase rest breaks
- Reduce the intensity of workouts
- Move activities indoors or to cooler times of day
- Cancel activities when heat risk becomes extreme
Athletes are at much greater risk during periods of high heat and humidity because their bodies cannot cool themselves as effectively.
Knowing how to respond to heat illness emergencies is important. But even more critical is preventing them. With a well-developed heat safety plan, properly trained staff, gradual acclimatization, consistent hydration, and ongoing weather monitoring, schools can create a safer environment for every student participating in outdoor activities. Taking these preventive steps helps reduce the risk of heat-related illness while allowing athletes to perform at their best, even during the hottest months of the year.
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