La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § CLVII-507

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section CLVII-507 - Serious Heat Illness and Acclimatization

A. Each school participating in interscholastic sports shall follow best practices for any activity that does not occur in a climate-controlled facility. These best practices shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers Association regarding heat acclimatization and wet globe temperature policy. The policies shall be implemented on all school campuses where summer conditioning, pre-season practices or games, and fall or spring sports occur, including all activities when a coach is present.

B. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Best Practices

1. Schedule practices during times of various Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) levels.

2. The ratio of workout time allotted for rest and hydration during various WBGT levels will result in modified or terminated practice(s) or contest(s) in consideration of safe playing conditions.

3. Rest time should involve unrestricted access to fluids such as water or electrolyte beverages.

4. Sports requiring helmets, including but not limited to football, baseball, lacrosse, and field hockey, should be removed during rest time.

5. The site of rest time should be in a shaded area.

6. When the WBGT reading is [GREATER THAN]85.0°, cold-water immersion tubs or equivalent should be available to aid in the cooling process within the shaded area.

a. An instrument approved to measure WBGT must be utilized at each outdoor practice. WBGT readings should be taken at the practice site a minimum of every hour, beginning 30 minutes before the start of practice or contest. All readings should be recorded or data logged in either written or electronic form. In the event that a modification or cancellation is required, documentation using the WBGT Environment Modification/Cancellation Log must be completed.

b. In the event of potential Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS), each school participating in interscholastic sports must be properly prepared and equipped to initiate Cold Water Immersion (CWI) or Cold Tub. Cooling techniques must be implemented immediately and EMS concurrently contacted, noting that the focus is to cool first and then transport.

c. The best practices shall be carried out by a licensed athletic trainer, designated healthcare provider, or individual appointed by the athletic director.

C. Heat Acclimatization

1. The heat acclimation period is defined as the initial 14 days of preseason practice for all student athletes. During the 14 days there shall be no more than two days of rest, or the acclimatization process will restart to day one. The goal of the acclimation period is to gradually increase exercise heat tolerance and endurance to enhance athletic performance safely during warm and hot conditions. The heat acclimation period will begin on the first day of the start of the official sports season date as defined by the LHSAA. Any practices or conditioning conducted prior to this time should not be considered a part of the heat acclimation period.

D. Heat Acclimatization Best Practices

1. Regardless of the conditioning program and conditioning status leading to the first formal practice, all student athletes, including those that arrive at preseason practice after the first day, will follow the 14-day heat acclimation period.

2. Schools must follow the statewide policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts in all sports. All preseason sports will begin with a 14-day acclimation period.

3. During days 1-5, no more than one practice can occur per day. If the team has one practice per day, the practice should not exceed 3 hours. During the first 5 days, a one-hour maximum walk-through is permitted; however, there must be a 3-hour break between practice and walkthrough or vice versa.

4. Days 6-14 may include double-practice days, provided teams do not schedule more than one practice on consecutive days. Teams should not have more than 5 hours of practice in a day, with one practice not to exceed 3 hours. If there are 2 practices in one day, there must be a minimum 3-hour break in a cool environment between the end of one practice and the beginning of the second practice.

5. With sports requiring protective equipment, during days 1-2 of first formal practices, a helmet must be the only protective equipment permitted. During days 3-5, only helmets and shoulder pads should be worn. Beginning on day 6, all protective equipment may be worn, and full contact may begin.

6. Football only: on days 3-5, contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies may be initiated.

7. Full-contact sports: 100 percent live contact drills should begin no earlier than day 6.

La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CLVII-507

Promulgated by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, LR 40:762 (April 2014), amended LR 47451 (4/1/2021).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:1299.186 and R.S. 40:1087.1.