![Otsego High School trainer Taylor Austin tracks field conditions Monday during a soccer match.](/sites/default/files/2024-08/240827_heat_2H.jpg)
Heat Ways: School Sports Prepared for Oncoming Wave of High Temps, Humidity
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 27, 2024
With temperatures and humidity expected to rise exceptionally today across most of downstate Michigan, decision-makers across school sports are prepared to take precautions to keep all involved in our activities safe as we ride out this latest heat wave.
The MHSAA’s Model Policy for Managing Heat & Humidity is required only during postseason activities, but has been adopted by several schools across the state for preseason and regular-season practices and competitions.
The plan directs schools to begin monitoring the heat index at the activity site once the air temperature reaches 80 degrees and provides recommendations when the heat index reaches certain points, including ceasing activities when it rises above 104 degrees. (When the temperature is below 80 degrees, there is no combination of heat and humidity that will result in a need to curtail activity.) Other precautions include the addition of mandatory 10-minute water breaks and the removal of equipment (including helmets and shoulder pads in football).
The model heat & humidity policy is outlined in a number of places on the MHSAA Website, including as part of the Heat Ways publication linked on the “Health & Safety” page.
PHOTO Otsego High School trainer Taylor Austin tracks field conditions Monday during a soccer match. (Photo by Gary Shook.)
U-M, MHSAA Partner to Bring Athletes Most Up-To-Date Head Injury Care
November 30, 2023
Head injury understanding, awareness and treatment has come a long way over the last few decades, and the University of Michigan Concussion Center has played a major role in helping our state's school-aged athletes receive the most up-to-date care as part of its partnership with the MHSAA.
This video explains key training U-M provides, with assists from Paw Paw competitive cheer coach Stefanie Miller, St. Joseph football coach Andrew Pratley and MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl.
Click here to read the accompanying story.