Due to high temperatures and air quality, GCS holds outdoor practices early and late in the day

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 8/10/2010 8:14:10 PM

High school athletes in Guilford County Schools (GCS) are taking precautions this week as temperatures rise. Athletic teams that practice outdoors will practice early or late in the day and take plenty of water breaks to stay healthy and hydrated.

The district follows specific procedures when the temperature and humidity reach certain levels. Outdoor practices scheduled for the morning must be concluded by noon, and practices held in the evening cannot begin before 6 p.m.

Coaches are reminded by the district to make water available to athletes in unlimited amounts throughout practice and for mandatory water breaks to be provided every 20-30 minutes. Coaches and athletic trainers monitor all athletes closely throughout practices for signs of dehydration, respiratory stress and heat illness.

In addition to forecasted high temperatures reaching the mid-90s today, the National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for the area that says ground level ozone concentrations may reach unhealthy levels.

"We expect temperatures to remain high this week, so the district will continue to check the forecast," said Leigh Hebbard, GCS director of athletics. "We take the health and safety of our student-athletes very seriously. As the heat index remains high, we will ask our coaches to consider a lighter practice schedule and remind them to monitor their athletes closely."

According to the National Weather Service, both the temperature and humidity level are important factors when measuring the effects of heat exposure. The heat index is a measure of the combined effects of high temperatures and high humidity on the body. Excessive heat effects are cumulative and the threats grow with each successive day of hot weather.

Parents with questions about the outdoor practice schedules for athletic teams should contact their child's school for more information.