Heat and Lightning Protocol

AACS follows the MIAA Heat Safety Guidelines 

 Make an attempt to schedule practices early and/or late in the day.

  • Provide access to “always on” rehydration stations.
  • Schedule sufficient multiple water breaks.
  • Allow players to excuse themselves at any time to get water without reprisal.
  • Ensure all athletes have a pre-participation physical exam before engaging in any practice or game.
  • Encourage athletes to begin conditioning well before preseason practice to acclimatize to the conditions.
  • Utilize shaded or cooler area during “chalk talks” or other non-physical portions of practice.
  • Encourage athletes to speak up if they are not feeling well.
  • Educate athletes and coaches regarding the signs and symptoms of heat illness and dehydration.

AACS follows the MIAA Heat Index Policy

All temperatures are a result of heat index with a correlation of Relative Humidity and Ambient Temperature. Consult a heat index chart to find the conditions that produce these levels of danger.

  • <97  Regular practice with full practice gear can be conducted. A rest to work ratio of 5 to 10 minutes rest and fluid replenishment for every 30 to 45 minutes of exertion is recommended.
  • 97-100  Conditions in this range indicate and increase in rest to work ratio of 5 to 10 minutes rest and fluid replenishment for every 20 to 30 minutes of exertion. Practice should be conducted in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts (not full equipment).
  • 101-105  Conditions in this range indicate and increase in rest to work ratio of 5 to 10 minutes rest and fluid replenishment for every 15 to 20 minutes of exertion. Practice should be conducted in shorts and t-shirts only with all equipment removed.
  • 106+  Full practices may be held only in air conditioned spaces at this point. Any on field practices may be walk through sessions only with no conditioning.

AACS follows the MIAA Lightning Safety Guidelines 

  • The established chain of command is:
  1. Athletic Director or School Administrator, Asst. AD, Athletic Trainer, Head Coach
  • Designate a weather watcher.
  • Monitor local weather conditions.
  • Communication plan (EAP).
  • Knowledge of lightning safe shelters.
  • Specific criteria for event:
  • Visible lightning
  • Issuance of a national weather service “Severe Weather Warning”
  • Detection of strong electrical storm activity by way of electronic device.

 

Criteria for event resumption:

  • Event should not be resumed until a minimum of thirty minutes since the last visible lightning strike and/or audible thunder clap. If additional lightning or thunder occurs during this time period, the thirty-minute weather “time out” must be restarted.