![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.)
![School lunches can provide a number of healthy options for student-athletes. Include milk, protein, carbs, and color, you set yourself up for success on the field and in the classroom](/sites/default/files/2024-07/240723_UDIM_2H.png)
Coach's Guide to Nutrition: Fuel with School Lunch
July 23, 2024
School lunches can provide a number of healthy options for student-athletes and students in after-school clubs and activities. Fueling your brain is just as important as fueling your body. By eating lunch at school every day and including milk, protein, carbs, and color, you are setting yourself up for success on the field and in the classroom.
School meals are a great option for student-athletes because they are planned with growing bodies in mind. Your athletes might need a second meal or additional snacks, though, if they are still hungry or are not meeting their calorie needs.
COACHES: Contact your school's food service department to learn how they can support your team’s nutrition goals.
School lunches are made with student nutrition in mind!
Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.