Recent temperatures impact fall sports

2–3 minutes

Teams adapts to heat-related protocols set by CIF

Staff Writer

Fall is traditionally known as a season for cooler temperatures, putting on coats, and layering up your clothes, but spikes in heat have created unexpected challenges for AHS sports teams. The recent heat wave has left players and coaches of fall sports trying to adjust practices to conform with safety protocols.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) sets the rules and guidelines that schools must follow to ensure fair play and the safety of student-athletes.

There are roughly three levels at which the categories based on the heat are divided into, with the green level being below 82F. Under these temperatures, CIF lays out a set of protocols that all teams must follow, starting with the green level. “Normal activities are allowed, but athletes must have at least three rest breaks each hour with a minimum duration of 3 min each during each workout,” CIF rules prescribe.

These restrictions change as the temperature gets warmer. Under the yellow level (82.2F-86.9F), teams must use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise and provide multiple rest breaks.

Once temperatures reach the orange level at (87.1-90.0F) outdoor practice is capped at two hours. During this time, athletes must have four rest breaks per hour, each break lasting at least four minutes. “Football players are restricted to wearing helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice,” said Mr. Oviatt, the athletic director.

Finally at the red level being the hottest, (above 90F) stricter guidelines are enforced. “Contests are still permitted, but additional water breaks are mandatory. Outdoor practice is limited to one hour, and no protective equipment is allowed during practice. Conditioning activities are also prohibited, and athletes must have 20-minute rest breaks spaced throughout the session,” Mr. Oviatt continued.

These guidelines are followed and enforced by the athletic director and coaches to ensure players stay protected from the dangers of the heat during outdoor activities. “Sports like waterpolo aren’t as affected by these protocols, and these heat protocols are more effective towards outdoor sports like football, where they had to alter practice so they couldn’t train in protective gear like pads and helmets,” said Mr. Oviatt.

Despite rising temperatures, teams and coaches are trying to adapt to suit what’s best for players. “The first thing I do is check in with the athletic director and make sure it’s okay to hold open field, so I check in with him to make sure we are in the green or yellow,” said Coach Pat of the Varsity Girls Soccer team. As temperatures vary, these guidelines will continue to stay in place for years to come in order to maintain safety while allowing players to train at their best.

Caption: The school’s pool is a perfect example of where activities take place that are not as affected by the heat, a safe environment for athletes in water sports to cool off. (Photo Credit: Angelica Guerrero (11))