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HeatSense Education

State by State WBGT Rules

Be informed on how your state manages the heat. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature rules for high school athletics are set state by state, usually by the athletic association and sometimes by state law. Some require it, some recommend it, and some leave it to the district. Find yours below.

29
WBGT required
On-site WBGT measurement and activity limits are mandatory statewide
6
Heat index required
Mandatory limits, but keyed to heat index instead of WBGT
8
WBGT recommended
WBGT referenced in guidance; schools decide
8
No statewide policy
Left to individual districts
At a glance

Find your state

Tap a state to jump to its rule. Should you find any discrepancies in our information, please let us know

Heat index required · 6

Alabama, Michigan, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington

No statewide policy · 8

Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

State by state

The rules, the thresholds, the source

Alabama

Heat index required

Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA)

AHSAA's Exertional Heat Illness policy requires on-site heat-stress monitoring and activity restrictions at every practice. WBGT is the approved/preferred measurement, but heat index measured at the site is permitted when a WBGT device is not available. Cooling zone and cold-water immersion required.

ThresholdsPublished as heat-index exercise restriction tiers; WBGT used where available.

Source: AHSAA Exertional Heat Illness Policy / Heat Stress Exercise Restrictions (2024) →

Alaska

No statewide policy

Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA)

ASAA requires coach heat-illness education (NFHS course) but publishes no statewide WBGT or heat-index thresholds. Monitoring and activity modification are left to districts.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: ASAA sports medicine recommendations — NFHS heat-illness course only; no state threshold document

Arizona

WBGT required

Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA)

AIA Article 43 (Sports Medicine) mandates on-site WBGT readings on the playing surface at least every 30 minutes, with a five-tier activity scale. Applies to all member schools.

Thresholds<82.0: normal; 82.1–86.9: discretion, 4-min breaks/20 min; 87.0–90.0: max 2 hr, helmet/shoulder pads only; 90.1–91.9: max 1 hr, no equipment; ≥92.0: no outdoor workouts.

Source: AIA Policies & Procedures, Article 43 (Sports Medicine) →

Arkansas

WBGT recommended

Arkansas Activities Association (AAA)

AAA requires emergency action plans that address hot-weather practice and points schools to WBGT-based guidelines, but no single statewide numeric WBGT mandate with enforcement was located. Athletic trainers have publicly called for consistent statewide enforcement (2025–26).

ThresholdsWBGT-based tiers recommended; no official statewide table located.

Source: AAA Handbook emergency-action-plan requirement; WBGT guidance from Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association, no AAA threshold table published

California

WBGT required

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)

CIF's statewide heat-illness policy (effective July 1, 2024) requires on-site WBGT monitoring with three geographic categories carrying different thresholds. AB 2503 (2026) requires CIF to review the guidelines annually.

ThresholdsCategory 1 (coastal): activity stops ~86.2; Category 2: ~89.9; Category 3 (inland/desert): modifications from ~82.0, stop at ~92.0.

Source: CIF Heat Illness Prevention policy (effective July 1, 2024); AB 2503 (2026) →

Colorado

WBGT recommended

Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA)

CHSAA Sports Medicine guidance and annual 'Heat Sheets' reference WBGT and classify Colorado as a Category 1 heat zone, but each school/district decides how it monitors heat and modifies workouts. No mandatory statewide WBGT table.

ThresholdsReferences NWS WBGT chart; no fixed statewide cutoffs.

Source: CHSAA Sports Medicine 'Heat Sheets' (2026) — references the NWS WBGT chart →

Connecticut

No statewide policy

Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC)

CIAC mandates a preseason heat-acclimatization practice schedule but does not require WBGT or heat-index monitoring statewide. Environmental go/no-go decisions sit with each school's emergency action plan.

ThresholdsNone published statewide (acclimatization schedule only).

Source: CIAC Handbook heat-acclimatization schedule; no WBGT/heat-index rule

Delaware

WBGT required

Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)

DIAA/DSMAC Heat Policy (updated Fall 2025) requires on-site WBGT readings hourly starting 30 minutes before activity, with a five-color flag system up to full stoppage.

Thresholds<79.7 Green: normal; 79.8–84.6 Yellow: discretion; 84.7–87.6 Orange: max 2 hr, helmets/shoulder pads only; 87.7–89.6 Red: max 1 hr, no equipment, healthcare pro on site; >89.6 Black: no outdoor activity.

Source: DIAA / DSMAC Heat Policy (Fall 2025) →

District of Columbia

WBGT required

DC State Athletic Association (DCSAA) / DCIAA (DCPS)

DC's heat protocol (published by DCIAA, followed by DCSAA schools) requires on-site WBGT measurement with multiple alert levels, equipment and work:rest modifications, shaded rest, and a ban on outdoor practice from 11 AM–3 PM in season.

ThresholdsMulti-level WBGT alert chart plus fixed 11 AM–3 PM outdoor practice ban.

Source: DCIAA Heat Acclimatization & WBGT protocol (DCPS Sports Medicine) →

Florida

WBGT required

Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)

State law (Zachary Martin Act, Fla. Stat. §1006.165, 2020) plus FHSAA Policy 41 require every member school to monitor WBGT on site whenever readings are expected to exceed 82°F, modify activity by tier, keep cold-water immersion available, and train coaches annually.

Thresholds<82.0: normal; 82.1–87.0: 3×4-min breaks/hr; 87.1–90.0: max 2 hr, 4 breaks/hr, helmet/shoulder pads/shorts; 90.1–92.0: max 1 hr, 5 breaks/hr, no equipment or conditioning; >92.0: no outdoor activity.

Source: Fla. Stat. §1006.165 (Zachary Martin Act) and FHSAA Policy 41 →

Georgia

WBGT required

Georgia High School Association (GHSA)

GHSA Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity is mandatory year-round for all sports, including summer conditioning. Requires a WBGT instrument at each outdoor practice site with hourly readings starting 30 minutes before practice; coaches sign the policy annually.

Thresholds<82.0: normal; 82.0–86.9: 3×4-min breaks/hr; 87.0–89.9: max 2 hr, helmet/shoulder pads/shorts; 90.0–92.0: max 1 hr, no equipment, 20 min rest/hr; >92.0: no outdoor workouts.

Source: GHSA Bylaw 2.67 — Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity →

Hawaii

WBGT required

Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA)

HHSAA Heat Acclimatization Guidelines require each school to designate someone to monitor WBGT (sling psychrometer as fallback) and follow a tiered action chart, with HHSAA sanctions for non-compliance.

Thresholds<82: normal; 82–86.9: discretion; 87–89.9: max 2 hr, limited equipment; 90–92: max 1 hr, no equipment; ≥92.1: no outdoor workouts.

Source: HHSAA Heat Acclimatization Guidelines →

Idaho

No statewide policy

Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA)

IHSAA points schools to NFHS heat resources and a generic heat-index chart but sets no statewide WBGT or heat-index mandate. Left to districts.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: IHSAA sports medicine page — generic NFHS heat resources; no state threshold document

Illinois

WBGT required

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

IHSA Heat Policy (updated Sept 2026) requires on-site WBGT readings 30 minutes before and every 30 minutes during outdoor activity, recorded and kept on file, for practices and IHSA state series events.

Thresholds<79.9: normal; 80.0–84.5: discretion, cold-water immersion available; 84.6–87.5: max 2 hr, 20 min rest/hr; 87.6–89.9: max 1 hr, no football equipment; >89.9: no outdoor workouts.

Source: IHSA Heat Policy (updated Sept 2026) →

Indiana

WBGT recommended

Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA)

IHSAA publishes a heat-index chart and NFHS heat-illness guidance for member schools but does not mandate WBGT monitoring or a binding statewide threshold table.

ThresholdsHeat index: Caution 80–90; Extreme Caution 91–105; Danger 106–129; Extreme Danger 130+.

Source: IHSAA Heat Index chart + NFHS heat-illness position statement →

Iowa

WBGT required

Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) with IGHSAU/IHSMA/IHSSA

IHSAA WBGT Heat Modification Policy (effective 2024–25) mandates on-site WBGT readings every 30 minutes whenever ambient temperature exceeds 80°F, a designated monitor, and a heat-illness emergency action plan.

Thresholds<79.7: normal; 79.8–84.6: discretion; 84.7–87.6: max 2 hr, partial uniform; 87.7–89.7: max 1 hr, minimal gear, 20 min rest; >89.7: no outdoor activity.

Source: IHSAA / IGHSAU WBGT Heat Modification Policy (2024) →

Kansas

WBGT recommended

Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA)

KSHSAA SMAC heat policy (updated 2026) says schools 'should' have a WBGT monitor, with an estimation chart as fallback and five action zones. Written as recommendation, not mandate; adoption is widespread in practice.

Thresholds≤79.9: normal; 80–84.6: yellow; 84.7–87.7: orange, 2 hr max; 87.8–89.7: red, 1 hr max; ≥89.8: no outdoor activity.

Source: KSHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Heat Policy (2026) →

Kentucky

WBGT required

Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA)

KHSAA's Sports Medicine Committee approved full implementation of WBGT in 2024, replacing the long-standing heat-index bylaw. Readings are taken on site 30 minutes before activity, 3–4 ft above the playing surface, recorded, and drive color-coded activity modifications and hydration timeouts. Kentucky is a Class 3 zone with cooling zones required at WBGT ≥80.

ThresholdsColor-coded WBGT zones (green/yellow/orange/red/black) with rest, equipment, and cancellation rules by sport.

Source: KHSAA Sports Medicine — WBGT guidance and fall-competition clarifications (2024) →

Louisiana

WBGT required

Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) under BESE Bulletin 135

Louisiana Administrative Code (BESE Bulletin 135, amended 2021) is state regulation: every outdoor practice requires a WBGT-approved instrument read on site at least hourly starting 30 minutes before activity. Cold-water immersion required above 85.0 WBGT. Covers summer conditioning.

ThresholdsTiered WBGT actions in Bulletin 135; immersion tubs required >85.0.

Source: Louisiana BESE Bulletin 135 (state regulation), administered by LHSAA →

Maine

No statewide policy

Maine Principals' Association (MPA)

MPA requires the NFHS heat-illness coach course and includes general hot-weather guidelines in its handbook appendix, but no statewide WBGT or heat-index thresholds or on-site monitoring mandate. Districts set their own WBGT policies.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: MPA Handbook — NFHS heat-illness course requirement and general hot-weather guidelines; no state threshold document

Maryland

WBGT required

Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA)

State law (Elijah Gorham Act, effective July 1, 2022) requires every county board to adopt heat-acclimatization and WBGT-based activity guidelines consistent with MPSSAA's model policy (updated March 2026).

Thresholds<82: normal; 82.1–86.9: discretion; 87.1–90: max 2 hr, equipment limits; 90.1–92: max 1 hr, 20 min rest; ≥92.1: no outdoor workouts (recheck every 30 min).

Source: Elijah Gorham Act (2022) and MPSSAA Model Policy for Heat Acclimatization (March 2026) →

Massachusetts

WBGT required

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)

MIAA Heat Modification Policy (effective Aug 2021, amended Sept 2022) requires a WBGT instrument at every outdoor practice and contest to set the permitted activity level.

Thresholds<76.0: normal; 76.1–81.0: discretion; 81.1–84.0: max 2 hr, limited equipment; 84.1–86.0: max 1 hr, no equipment; >86.1: no outdoor workouts.

Source: MIAA Heat Modification Policy (2021, amended 2022) →

Michigan

Heat index required

Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)

MHSAA Heat Management Policy uses on-site heat index (not WBGT), measured 30 minutes before and 60 minutes after start. Mandatory for MHSAA tournaments; recommended for regular season. MHSAA offers NCAA-based WBGT figures as optional reference.

ThresholdsHeat index 99–104: postpone or move practice; >104: stop all outdoor activity.

Source: MHSAA Heat Management Policy (Council-adopted 2013) →

Minnesota

WBGT required

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

MSHSL Weather Conditions Policy (updated June 2023) mandates on-site WBGT monitoring for all outdoor practices and competitions, with separate North and South Minnesota threshold tables.

ThresholdsRegion-specific four-tier scale: normal → max 2 hr → max 1 hr → delay/cancel.

Source: MSHSL Weather Conditions Policy (June 2023) →

Mississippi

WBGT required

Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA)

New for 2026–27: MHSAA mandated WBGT (replacing heat index) to govern outdoor practice, allows approved smartphone WBGT apps, and requires a cold-immersion tub at all outdoor practices.

Thresholds87–89: max 2 hr, helmet/shoulder pads/shorts; 90–91: max 1 hr, no pads; ≥92: all outdoor practice stops.

Source: MHSAA WBGT activity-modification policy (July 2026) →

Missouri

WBGT required

Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA)

MSHSAA WBGT Heat Modification Policy requires all schools to use an approved WBGT instrument once ambient temperature exceeds 80°F, with hourly on-site readings starting 30 minutes before activity.

Thresholds<82.0: normal; 82.0–86.9: discretion; 87.0–89.9: max 2 hr, helmet/shoulder pads/shorts; 90.0–92.0: max 1 hr, no equipment, no conditioning; >92.0: no outdoor participation.

Source: MSHSAA Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer Heat Modification Policy →

Montana

No statewide policy

Montana High School Association (MHSA)

MHSA references NFHS heat-acclimatization guidance but publishes no statewide WBGT or heat-index thresholds or monitoring mandate.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: MHSA sports medicine page — NFHS heat-acclimatization position statement; no state threshold document

Nebraska

WBGT recommended

Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA)

NSAA Board approved WBGT as the 'recommended measurement practice' when ambient temperature exceeds 80°F and publishes a two-region WBGT chart; not mandatory. A 14-day acclimatization period is required separately.

ThresholdsRegion 1 / Region 2: normal <76.1 / <79.7; restrictions increase through 87.7–89.7 / >89.7 (outdoor activity prohibited).

Source: NSAA WBGT chart (Board-approved recommended practice) →

Nevada

WBGT required

Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA)

NIAA requires member schools to monitor WBGT every 30 minutes during practice (policy updated Aug 2026), with schools sorted into Category 2/3 heat zones, a trained on-site reader, cooling zone, and cold-water immersion.

ThresholdsCat 3 normal <82.0; Cat 2 normal <79.7; all outdoor workouts suspended at ≥92.1.

Source: NIAA heat policy (updated Aug 2026) — Category 2/3 WBGT zones; official PDF not publicly hosted

New Hampshire

WBGT required

New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA)

NHIAA Bylaw Article III, Section 12 (Pre-Season Acclimatization and WBGT Guidelines) calls for a WBGT instrument at each practice before Oct 1, readings every 30 minutes starting 30 minutes before practice, and calibration every two years. Korey Stringer Institute scores NH 5/5 on WBGT monitoring.

Thresholds<76.1: normal; 76.2–81.1: discretion; 81.2–84.1: max 2 hr, football equipment limits; 84.2–86.0: max 1 hr, no equipment; >86.1: no outdoor workouts.

Source: NHIAA Bylaw Article III, Section 12 — Pre-Season Acclimatization and WBGT Guidelines →

New Jersey

WBGT required

New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)

NJSIAA Heat Participation Policy (since Aug 2019) applies to all sports: an approved WBGT device takes on-site readings at least hourly starting 30 minutes before activity, documented on an official record chart.

Thresholds<80.0 Green: normal; 80.0–85.0 Yellow: discretion; 85.1–88.0 Orange: max 2 hr, equipment removed; 88.1–90.0 Red: max 1 hr, no conditioning; >90.0 Black: no outdoor workouts.

Source: NJSIAA Heat Participation Policy (2019) →

New Mexico

WBGT required

New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA)

NMAA Bylaw 7.6.21 Heat Illness Prevention Protocol (effective June 2024) requires an on-site WBGT or heat-index reading at practices and competitions and a four-tier modification scale.

Thresholds<87 (HI <95): normal; 87–89.9 (HI 95–99): max 2 hr; 90–92 (HI 100–104): max 1 hr, no conditioning; >92 (HI >104): no outdoor activity.

Source: NMAA Bylaw 7.6.21 — Heat Illness Prevention Protocol (2024) →

New York

Heat index required

New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)

NYSPHSAA Heat Index Procedure (2010, updated 2016) mandates checking the 'feels-like' heat index or a wet-bulb indicator one hour before activity once conditions reach 80°F, with restriction tiers. Not WBGT-specific.

Thresholds80–85 Caution; 86–90 Watch; 91–95 Warning (helmets only for football); ≥96 Alert: no outside activity.

Source: NYSPHSAA Heat Index Procedure (2010, updated 2016) →

North Carolina

WBGT required

North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA)

NCHSAA Heat Guidelines require WBGT-based activity modification on a five-color scale. On-site WBGT is preferred; a weather station reading within 5–10 miles is an allowed substitute.

ThresholdsWhite <80: unlimited; Green 80–84.9: normal; Yellow 85–87.9: restricted for unconditioned athletes; Red 88–89.9: constant observation; Black ≥90: suspend practice.

Source: NCHSAA Heat Guidelines (WBGT color scale) →

North Dakota

No statewide policy

North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA)

NDHSAA's 2012 position statement 'strongly encourages' an acclimatization plan but is non-binding and sets no WBGT or heat-index thresholds.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: NDHSAA Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement (2012, non-binding) →

Ohio

WBGT required

Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA)

OHSAA Sports Medicine Regulations (effective Aug 1, 2024) mandate WBGT measured on site before practice and at least every 30 minutes during, with a five-tier scale up to full stoppage.

Thresholds<79.7: normal; 79.8–84.6: remove unnecessary equipment; 84.7–87.6: max 2 hr, helmet/shoulder pads/shorts; 87.8–89.7: max 1 hr, no football equipment; >89.8: no outdoor workouts, indoor only if air-conditioned.

Source: OHSAA Sports Medicine Regulations (Aug 2024) →

Oklahoma

WBGT required

Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA)

OSSAA Extreme Heat Policy (adopted for 2025–26) requires an approved WBGT instrument on site, readings 15 minutes before and every 30 minutes during practice, with Class 2 / Class 3 zone thresholds and a five-tier scale.

ThresholdsClass 2 / Class 3: normal <79.7 / <82.0; max 2 hr at 84.7–87.6 / 87.0–90.0; max 1 hr at 87.7–89.7 / 90.1–92.0; no outdoor activity >89.8 / >92.1.

Source: OSSAA Extreme Heat Policy (2025–26) →

Oregon

Heat index required

Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA)

OSAA Heat Index Policy (in the OSAA Handbook) applies to all sanctioned activities statewide: schools determine heat index (not WBGT) within one hour of practice start and apply a five-tier scale.

ThresholdsSafe <80; Notice 80–94; Caution 95–99; Warning 100–104; Danger ≥105 — each with practice length, rest, and equipment rules.

Source: OSAA Heat Index Policy (OSAA Handbook) →

Pennsylvania

WBGT recommended

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA)

PIAA's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee heat guidance recommends WBGT as the preferred measurement and divides the state into Class 1/2/3 WBGT zones, but monitoring is directed 'where possible' rather than mandated. Five days of heat acclimatization before contact drills is required.

ThresholdsZone-specific WBGT thresholds (Class 1/2/3); exact cutoffs in PIAA SMAC document.

Source: PIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee heat guidance (Class 1/2/3 WBGT zones) →

Rhode Island

WBGT required

Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL)

Effective fall 2025, RIIL requires an approved WBGT instrument at every practice once conditions approach the Class 1 'green flag' baseline (76.1), with readings every 30 minutes starting 30 minutes before practice. First six practice days capped at 3 hours.

ThresholdsClass 1 zone: green baseline 76.1; tiers escalate to stoppage (heat index may substitute if WBGT unavailable).

Source: RIIL Rules & Regulations — WBGT requirement (2025) →

South Carolina

WBGT required

South Carolina High School League (SCHSL)

SCHSL Health & Safety policy requires all member schools to use a WBGT device, checked hourly starting 30 minutes before practice, with mandatory suspension at ≥92.1 and cold-immersion equipment on site from 82.0.

Thresholds≥82: cold immersion on site; 90.0–92.0 at start: limited to 1 additional hour if dropping; ≥92.1: suspend/postpone practice or competition.

Source: SCHSL Health & Safety policy →

South Dakota

Heat index required

South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA)

SDHSAA publishes a heat-index chart that schools use to set practice modifications and requires every school to submit an emergency action plan addressing heat illness (WBGT optional). No mandatory on-site WBGT device.

ThresholdsHeat index: Normal <95; Moderate 95–99; High 100–104; Extreme >104.

Source: SDHSAA Heat Index chart and emergency-action-plan requirement →

Tennessee

WBGT required

Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA)

TSSAA Heat Policy (revised Oct 2022) requires every school to take an on-site WBGT reading (heat index only if WBGT unavailable) at the practice/competition site and follow mandatory tiers.

Thresholds82.0–86.9: 3 breaks/hr; 87.0–89.9: max 2 hr, 4 breaks/hr, gear limits; 90.0–92.0: max 1 hr, 20 min rest, no pads; >92.0: no outdoor practice.

Source: TSSAA Heat Policy (revised Oct 2022) →

Texas

WBGT required

University Interscholastic League (UIL)

UIL's mandatory Heat Stress & Athletic Participation plan (effective Aug 1, 2026) requires on-site WBGT (device or approved app) at all outdoor athletic and marching band activities, with two geographic classes, four escalating tiers, and required rapid-cooling zones.

ThresholdsClass 2 modifications start at 79.7; Class 3 at 82.0. Tiers: discretionary intensity → max 2 hr, limited equipment → max 1 hr, no gear, 20 min rest → no outdoor workouts/contests; cold-water immersion required on site.

Source: UIL Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Required Plan (effective Aug 1, 2026) →

Utah

No statewide policy

Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA)

UHSAA handbook requires a structured five-day heat-acclimatization progression but has no statewide WBGT or heat-index monitoring or threshold mandate.

ThresholdsNone published statewide (acclimatization only).

Source: UHSAA Handbook heat-acclimatization section; no WBGT/heat-index rule

Vermont

WBGT required

Vermont Principals' Association (VPA)

VPA Hot Weather Policy mandates on-site WBGT (or heat-index monitor) readings at the practice/game site starting at least one hour before activity and every 30 minutes in moderate-to-extreme categories, with five risk tiers.

ThresholdsMinimal <76.1; Low 76.2–81; Moderate 81.1–84; High 84.1–86; Extreme >86.1: no outdoor workouts.

Source: VPA Hot Weather Policy →

Virginia

WBGT recommended

Virginia High School League (VHSL)

VHSL publishes WBGT-based Heat Guidelines with six tiers reaching full stoppage at ≥90, and says real-time on-site WBGT should not be replaced by forecasts, but leaves the monitoring mechanism to 'local policy and resources'.

Thresholds<82.4: full gear; 82.5–84.9: helmets off except drills; 85.0–87.4: no equipment in non-contact drills; 87.5–89.9: shirt/shorts only; ≥90.0: no outdoor practice or competition.

Source: VHSL Heat Guidelines (WBGT) →

Washington

Heat index required

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)

WIAA requires schools to use its official Heat Index Calculator (temperature + humidity) rather than WBGT: cooling method available from 70, calculate/record at 85, mandatory modification or elimination at 95 and above.

ThresholdsHeat index ≥70: rapid-cooling available; ≥85: must calculate/record; ≥95: mandatory modification or elimination.

Source: WIAA Heat Index Calculator policy →

West Virginia

WBGT required

West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC)

Per Korey Stringer Institute's policy review, WVSSAC requires member schools to have a WBGT-based heat modification policy with at least four modification levels (practice time, equipment, work:rest). Exact statewide numeric tiers were not locatable in a loadable WVSSAC document; verify directly with WVSSAC.

ThresholdsWVSSAC heat-stress guidance lists WBGT risk bands (<65 unlimited; 65–73 moderate; 73–82 high; ≥82 very high); a current statewide modification table was not verifiable online.

Source: WVSSAC Heat Stress and Athletic Participation guidance (WBGT risk bands) →

Wisconsin

WBGT recommended

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)

WIAA Model Policy for Heat and Humidity recommends WBGT devices with heat index as an alternative and four heat-index tiers; it is a model document for schools to adopt, not a binding statewide rule.

ThresholdsHeat index <95: optional breaks; 95–99: breaks + equipment changes; 100–104: mandatory breaks, restrictions; >104: all outdoor activity suspended.

Source: WIAA Model Policy for Heat and Humidity →

Wyoming

No statewide policy

Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA)

The 2026–27 WHSAA Handbook contains no WBGT, heat-index, or heat-modification policy — only a general practice-time cap on double-session days.

ThresholdsNone published statewide.

Source: WHSAA Handbook — no heat policy

Know your WBGT before practice starts

Whatever your state requires, the reading has to come from the field your athletes are on. HeatSense gives coaches and athletic trainers WBGT and athlete heat response in one place.

See HeatSense WBGT

Last reviewed September 26, 2026. Policies change every season; confirm with your state association before relying on any threshold. Thresholds are °F WBGT unless marked heat index.