As the new school year begins, local athletic programs in Waskom, Texas, are navigating stricter state-mandated rules designed to protect student-athletes from extreme heat. The Waskom Independent School District is putting updated University Interscholastic League protocols into action to ensure the safety of its football players.

Heat Safety Protocols

Coaches are using a specialized monitoring device on the field to track wet bulb globe temperatures, which measure heat stress in direct sunlight by accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Readings are taken 15 minutes prior to practice and every 30 minutes during workouts. When wet bulb readings cross dangerous thresholds, outdoor activities pause, and teams adjust by moving into the gym or conducting film sessions indoors until conditions cool down.

On the field, safety measures are integrated directly into practice routines. Waskom provides unlimited water breaks and stations hydration setups at every drill area. The field house doors remain open throughout practice, keeping ice tubs positioned 35 to 40 feet from the field so staff can immediately plunge and cool an overheated athlete if necessary.

Annual UIL training and CPR certification prepare the coaching staff to recognize early warning signs of heat illness, including disorientation, lightheadedness, or an athlete reporting feeling cold despite high outdoor temperatures.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.