The extreme heat and cold in our region is a concern to the health and safety of our students and staff members. Heat and cold injuries cannot always be prevented, but with cooperation between the Athletic Trainers and coaching staff heat and cold-related illnesses can be minimized.

The following temperature guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for students participating in outdoor activities in Leander ISD. The listed temperatures, heat indexes, and wind-chill factors are designated figures for terminating and/or modifying outdoor activities including High School and Middle School athletic practices and games.

Exposure duration and frequency of breaks should be modified as the temperatures approach the listed recommendations. It is the responsibility of each Athletic Trainer and coach to ensure these guidelines are being followed.

Warm Weather Procedures

1. 100*F Temp and/or 110*F Heat Index (All Levels)

• In-Season Sports – Water breaks for at least 5 minutes every 30 minutes. Practice will not exceed 2 hours of total heat exposure (actual practice time). Open water policy during entire practice.

• Football – During cardiovascular conditioning, athletes should remove helmets

• Off-Season Sports – 45 minutes of heat exposure with at least one water break.

• Games – Follow the guidelines above or delay the start of game until temperature drops.

2. 105*F Temperature and/or 115*F Heat Index (NO MIDDLE SCHOOL PRACTICE OR GAME)

• In-Season Sports – Water breaks for at least 5 minutes every 20 minutes. Practice will not exceed 1.5 hours of total heat exposure (actual practice time). Open water policy during entire practice.

• Football – Athletes should remove helmets whenever possible.

• Cross Country/Track – Runners must stay on campus or in park where coaches can monitor all runners. (No Routes Out of Coaches View)

• Off-Season Sports – A total of 30 minutes of heat exposure with at least one water break

• Games – Follow the guidelines above or delay the start of game until temperature drops.

3. 107*F Temperature and/or 117*F Heat Index (NO MIDDLE SCHOOL PRACTICE OR GAME)

• In-Season Sports – Water breaks every 10 minutes for at least 1 minute. There will be a 5 minute break during the middle of practice. Practice will not exceed 1.5 hours of total heat exposure (actual practice time). Open water policy during entire practice.

• Football – Athletes should remove helmets/shoulder pads whenever possible.

• Cross Country/Track – Runners must stay on campus or in park where coaches can monitor all runners. (No Routes Out of Coaches View)

• Off-Season Sports – A total of 30 minutes of heat exposure with at least one water break

• Games – Follow the guidelines above or delay the start of game until temperature drops.

4. 110*F Temperature and/or 120*F Heat Index

• NO OUTSIDE PRACTICES OR GAMES ALLOWED IN ANY SPORT.

Cold Weather Procedures

1) Wind Chill Factor under 29*F (with rain)

• A maximum of 60 minutes of continuous exposure.

• Coaches must make sure that the athletes are dressed warm.

2) Wind Chill Factor under 22*F (with rain)

• All practices will be indoors.

3) Wind Chill Factor under 22*F (without rain)

• A maximum of 60 minutes of continuous exposure.

• Coaches must make sure that the athletes are dressed warm.

4) Wind Chill Factor under 15*F (without rain)

• All practices will be indoors.