Heat safety regulations for high school and middle school athletics are primarily governed by state-level athletic associations, often influenced by guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). However, regulations vary significantly from state to state, and individual school districts may implement additional or more stringent policies. Some states have comprehensive heat safety laws that mandate specific protocols, WBGT monitoring, and activity modifications based on environmental conditions, while others provide recommendations rather than requirements. Many state associations developed their heat policies following high-profile heat illness incidents, leading to a patchwork of different approaches across the country. Beyond state associations, local school boards, athletic directors, and individual coaches often layer additional safety measures. This means a football program in Texas might operate under different heat rules than one in Florida or California, even though athletes face similar environmental challenges.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that sets and enforces workplace heat safety standards to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. OSHA's jurisdiction covers employees in most private sector workplaces, as well as some public sector workers depending on state regulations. However, OSHA's authority typically does not extend to student-athletes participating in school sports programs, since students are not considered employees under most circumstances. OSHA standards would apply to coaches, athletic trainers, groundskeepers, and other staff working in hot conditions as part of their employment. In some cases, particularly at the professional level where athletes are employees, OSHA workplace heat standards could theoretically apply, though professional sports leagues generally operate under their own negotiated agreements. Despite limited direct jurisdiction over student athletics, OSHA's heat safety guidance and standards often inform best practices that athletic programs voluntarily adopt, and some state legislatures reference OSHA frameworks when developing heat safety laws for youth sports.

Heat safety regulations for athletics vary between states because most youth and high school sports heat policies are established at the state rather than federal level, and each state's approach reflects its unique legislative process, climate considerations, and often its history with heat-related incidents. States with hotter climates or those that have experienced tragic heat illness cases among young athletes have generally developed more comprehensive and stringent regulations. Some states have passed specific heat safety laws requiring particular protocols, equipment, or monitoring, while others rely on athletic association recommendations without legal mandates. The process of developing regulations also varies—some states involve medical professionals, athletic trainers, and sports medicine experts in creating evidence-based policies, while others may have less formalized approaches. Budget considerations also play a role, as requirements for WBGT monitors, cooling equipment, or additional staff have cost implications that vary by state resources and priorities. Additionally, different sports dominate in different regions, influencing which activities receive regulatory attention—football-heavy states might focus on August practice policies, while year-round outdoor sports in warmer climates might need broader seasonal coverage.