Heat Index

Link to NOAA's National Weather Service

Code Green - Heat Index Under 85°

Normal practice guidelines and restrictions. Provide ample water. Water is always available and athletes should have unrestricted access. Ice-down tub and towels are available. Athletes should be monitored carefully.

Code Gold - Heat Index 85° to 94°

Provide ample water. Water is always available and athletes should have unrestricted access. Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minute time frames. Ice-down tub and towels are available. Athletes should be monitored carefully.

Code Orange - Heat Index from 95° to 104°

Exercise caution. Provide ample water. Water is always available and athletes should have unrestricted access. Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minute time frames. Ice-down tub and towels are available. Reduce time outside or move indoors to air conditioning if possible. Athletes should be monitored carefully. Limit time in which student-athletes are wearing full equipment.

Code Red - Heat Index from 105° and Above

Stop all outside activity including practice or play. Stop all indoor activity if air conditioning is not available and the heat index indoors is 105° or greater.

Schools shall monitor prevailing weather conditions, including the current heat index, and make appropriate practice and activity accommodations. The heat index is available in the Health and Safety section of the MCPS Athletics web page (click on the Heat Index tab). The heat index on the Athletics webpage applies to the 20877 zip code, the most central site in Montgomery County.

In hot, humid weather, coaches shall use good judgment in determining the length and nature of the practice. Frequent water breaks shall be provided, and players shall be carefully monitored. Restrictions shall be implemented per the code - green, gold, orange, or red. 

The heat index changes as the day progresses. A heat index in the morning, for instance, may increase to a more dangerous level later in the day. Thus, restrictions that would apply to a morning practice or activity may be different than in the afternoon or evening. The relevant heat index that coaches shall use will be the one nearest to the start time of the practice or activity. The heat index shall be monitored as the day progresses every 30 minutes and appropriate modifications implemented.

In extremely cold weather, coaches shall use good judgment in determining the length and nature of the practice. The temperature as well as the wind chill factor should be considered. Athletic events may be rescheduled by mutual agreement of the athletics specialists of the opposing schools.