In accordance with the UIL (University Interscholastic League) and other youth sports organizations, WAYA will be using the wet bulb, globe, temperature (WBGT) index to monitor outside temperatures for practices and games.

This index takes into consideration several factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat and air movement and their effects on the human body.

This index is monitored by a WBGT device that provides the best possible estimation of outside temperature. The graphic displayed showcases the WBGT temperatures and the protocols WAYA will follow for each temperature range. The WBGT temperature's can be found on the WeatherBug Mobile app under the "Outdoor Sports" section. 

Player Responsibilities:

• Bring an insulated water bottle to practice, clinics, and games. This allows for increased hydration during the activity and decreased sharing of germs
• Start hydrating 2-3 days before practices start. Outdoor sports hydration intake should be 60 - 120 ounces per day depending on practice time, intensity, and weight.
• Supplement water with electrolytes: Pedialyte, NUUN, Propel, Gatorade, etc. at home.
• Bring snacks: fruits, PBJ sandwiches, energy chews, and bars.
• Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing including socks and underwear. No cotton.
• Inform coaches immediately if experiencing: headaches, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, vomiting, chills, disorientation, extreme fatigue. Do not continue to practice.
• Acclimate prior to attending practices. Prepare your body to be in the heat.
• Inform coaches of your experience in the heat recently. If you just arrived from Colorado and 70-degree temperatures, they need to know.
• Eat. Do not attend practices if you have not had breakfast and/or lunch. 

Coach Responsibilities:

• Make water available at any time.
• Coaches will continually remind athletes to hydrate during practice.
• Water will be easily accessible throughout practices.
• Coaches will encourage athletes to bring a water bottle to sports activities and hydrate all day.
• Coaches will acclimate athletes in planning practices including intensity, time of day, and needed modifications.
• Coaches will be aware of the physical fitness level of athletes and adjust practices accordingly.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these protocols, please reach out to Rich Morrison (rmorrison@waya.org) or Laney Ramirez (lramirez@waya.org).