We give the following recommendations regarding holding practice in extreme weather conditions:
HEAT:
Heat index over 95: Recommend cancel practice for 4th grade and under. If you practice, limit practice time to 15-30 min less than usual, take more & longer breaks than usual, and do not allow players to skip drinking water during breaks. IT IS THE COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE ALL PLAYERS ARE DRINKING.
Heat index over 100: Do not hold practice 4th grade and under. Recommend cancel practice for 5th-8th grade. If you practice, limit practice time to 15-30 min less than usual, take more & longer breaks than usual, and do not allow players to skip drinking during breaks. IT IS THE COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE ALL PLAYERS ARE DRINKING. Make sure water breaks are taken in shaded areas.
COLD:
Under 45, precipitation/wet field: Recommend cancel practice 4th grade and under
Under 40, precipitation/wet field: Do not hold practice, 4th and under; recommend cancel 5th-8th. Limit time outside to 45 min.
Under 35, precipitation/wet field: cancel practice
Under 40, dry: Recommend cancel practice 4th grade and under
Under 35, dry: Do not hold practice, 4th and under; recommend cancel 5th-8th.
Under 30, dry: cancel practice
Refer to
this flyer from the CDC for spotting and treating hypothermia.
LIGHTNING: If lightning is spotted in the area, take cover for at least 20 minutes (the 20 minutes resets after each strike).
RAIN:Do not use dirt fields; they will be damaged.
Feel free to use grass fields in a light rain, but pay close attention to not ripping up the fields with cleats.