We will follow the KHSAA policy in regards to the Heat Index. As you probably know, the Heat Index is determined by a formula that includes the air temperature and the humidity. There are a lot of sources available to know what the Heat Index is but we will use the OSHA/NIOSHA app to determine the Heat Index.
So, the rule is that we will not play a game if the heat index is 103 or higher at the time of the game. We may delay the game until it goes under 103 or we may cancel and reschedule it for another day. We also may cancel the first game of the day and play the second game if the Heat Index looks to be below the 103. A decision will be made by 3:00pm on the day of the game based on the predicted Heat Index at game time.
If we decide to play the game at the scheduled time and the Heat Index does not go down, as expected, we will delay the game until it is below 103. At this time we may have to cancel and reschedule the second game.
Preparing Your Young Athlete for Hot Weather
The health and safety of our players is our highest priority. Young athletes are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than adults, so parents play an important role in helping them prepare for practices and games.
Before Arriving
Hydrate Early
- Have your child drink plenty of water throughout the day—not just when they arrive at the field.
- Encourage them to drink 8–16 ounces of water about an hour before activity.
- Avoid sugary drinks, energy drinks, and excessive caffeine.
Eat a Healthy Meal
- Provide a light, balanced meal or snack 1–3 hours before the game.
- Good choices include fruit, yogurt, peanut butter, whole-grain crackers, turkey sandwiches, or pasta.
- Avoid heavy, greasy meals before playing.
Dress for the Weather
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 15–30 minutes before arriving and reapply as needed.
Bring to the Field
Please send your child with:
- A full water bottle (or two if possible).
- An extra bottle containing an electrolyte drink for longer activities or extremely hot days.
- A cooling towel or small towel if available.
- A change of shirt for after the game if desired.
During the Game
Encourage your child to:
- Drink water during every break, even if they are not thirsty.
- Tell their coach immediately if they feel dizzy, nauseated, unusually tired, develop a headache, have muscle cramps, or stop sweating.
Parents should notify the coach before the game if their child has been sick recently, has had trouble with the heat before, or is taking any medication that may affect heat tolerance.
After the Game
Continue rehydrating with water and eat a healthy snack containing both carbohydrates and protein to aid recovery.
What To Watch For
Even if the Heat Index is below 103 and we do play, it is important that coaches, umpires and parents monitor the players for any heat related issues.
- Dry Mouth
- Thirst
- Being irritable or cranky
- Headache
- Seeming bored or disinterested
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Excessive fatigue
- Child not able to run as fast or play as well as usual.
Treatment
Move the child to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
Give him or her fluids to drink.
If we make a change in the schedule due to the Heat Index, we will handle that the same way as we do Rain Outs and post on the website by 3:00pm on the day of the game.