![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.)
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Concussion Care Special Awarded Emmy
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 19, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Yellow Flag Productions – which produces State Champs! Sports Network – and FOX Sports Detroit received a Michigan Emmy Award on Saturday for their “Concussions and the Modern Athlete” program that detailed the effects of concussions in athletics and steps being taken by the MHSAA to enhance awareness and care at the high school level.
The award – presented by the state’s chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – came in the category of “Children/Youth/Teens – Program/Special.” The show was hosted and reported by State Champs’ Kiara Hay and included interviews with MHSAA Executive Director John E. Jack Roberts and Assistant Director Kathy Vruggink Westdorp.
The show was part of the State Champs! Summer Series in 2017 and aired on FOX Sports Detroit.