Policy Overview
LYB uses the following heat index policy for all of our outdoor practices and games. This policy is separate from any other weather (rain, lightning, etc.) that may also occur.
The heat index for each game or practice will be determined 1 hour before the scheduled start time.
All coaches, umpires, and LYB board members share responsibility for enforcing these policies. A player who collapses from heat illness is a preventable tragedy.
80 – 88 Degrees
Few concerns; activities will remain on.
- Provide ample amounts of water (water should always be available).
89 – 94 Degrees
Activities will remain on with the following added.
- Provide ample amounts of water (water should always be available).
- Optional water breaks every 30 minutes up to 5 minutes in duration.
95 – 99 Degrees
Watch / monitor athletes carefully.
- Provide ample amounts of water (water is always available).
- Athletes are allowed to take in as much water as desired.
- Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 5–10 minutes in duration.
- All equipment must be removed during these water breaks (helmets, gloves & catcher’s equipment).
- Catchers must only be allowed to catch 2 consecutive innings.
100 – 104 Degrees
Watch / monitor athletes closely.
- Provide ample amounts of water (water is always available).
- Athletes are allowed to take in as much water as desired.
- Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration (shade recommended during).
- All equipment must be removed during these water breaks (helmets, gloves & catcher’s equipment).
- Catchers must only be allowed to catch 1 consecutive inning.
- Game or practice time should be shortened by 15–30 minutes.
- Monitor athletes & actions closely.
105+ Degrees
All activities will be cancelled.
Note: The heat index can be significantly higher on artificial turf and in areas without shade or wind. If your field is in direct sun with no breeze, add 5–10°F to your calculation.
Recognizing Heat Illness
Coaches must know how to recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke — and the difference between them.
- Heat Cramps: muscle spasms, usually legs or abdomen. Move to shade, hydrate slowly. Rest for the day.
- Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, weak pulse, nausea. Move to shade, cool with wet cloths, call parents.
- Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY): hot/dry skin, rapid/strong pulse, confusion or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately. Cool body with ice packs to neck/armpits/groin while waiting for EMS.
- When in doubt: if a player seems "off" in the heat — dizzy, confused, unusually pale — treat it seriously. Remove them from play.
Hydration Protocol
Hydration is prevention. By the time a player feels thirsty, they are already dehydrated.
- Players should arrive at practice/games already hydrated (water at school and at home before arriving)
- Encourage 16–20 oz of water in the 2 hours before activity
- During activity: 8 oz every 20 minutes at minimum
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) are appropriate after 60+ minutes of activity — not as a replacement for water
- No energy drinks. Ever. Not before, during, or after.
- Coaches should have water available at all times — do not rely on players to bring their own exclusively
