High school sports contending with record-breaking September heatwave

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As sizzling September temperatures continue across Central North Carolina, high school football teams are gearing up for another gameday, with a full slate of games happening Thursday and Friday nights.

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“We unfortunately have had a hot fall so far,” said Janna Fonesca, Director of Health, Safety & Wellness and Student Services for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Heat index values returned to the triple digits as high school football teams prepare to take the field the next two days.

“We do allow schools to continue having contests in this heat,” Fonesca said.

NCHSSA has a number of guidelines in place to protect student-athletes in the heat.

“Obviously, we want to make sure that our student-athletes have ample access to water at all times. We want to make sure that they’re following those guidelines, really, for what we call work-rest ratios,” Fonesca said.

Schools are also asked to monitor the wet-bulb globe temperature, which takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed and the angle of the sun.

“Having that detailed information that’s specific to the venue where our student athletes are practicing and playing really helps better pare down what they can and can’t be doing,” Fonesca explained.

Schools have charts showing different levels of heat index values and WBGT to determine what adjustments need to be made at practice.

If the WBGT is 90° or higher, practices must be suspended. Between 88° and 89.9°, athletes need to be under constant supervision and remove pads, with five-minute water breaks every 15 minutes.

The National Weather Service estimated a WBGT in Raleigh between 87° and 88° throughout most of Thursday. 

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Despite the precautions for practices, games can still go on as scheduled if the WBGT is 90° or higher.

“We do want them to still look at that wet-bulb globe temperature index. The games do start later in the day, but they can also push those games back,” said Fonesca.

Fonesca said certain sports can also incorporate increased water breaks when possible, like a soccer match taking an unscheduled break if there’s a lull in the action in each half.

In Wake County, coaches are trained to look out for signs of heat-related illnesses. Teams should also have a buddy system where players can look after each other for any warning signs.

“We’re concerned about anyone’s safety that’s outside, but especially athletes. Looking out for things: when you start to feel sick to your stomach, you’re nauseated, lightheaded, that’s a time that you really need to take a break,” said Dr. Ryan Lamb, Director of the Emergency Department at UNC Rex in Holly Springs.

Wake County student-athletes are also taught to stay hydrated and report any heat-related symptoms to trainers or coaches.

NCHSSA also encourages all schools to practice their action plan before the season starts to know what to do in case a student-athlete has a heat-related emergency.

In Johnston County, Riverwood Middle School said that all middle school outdoor practices, games and events have either been rescheduled or canceled for the remainder of the week because of the heat. Practices for outdoor sports are now being held inside until temperatures cool.

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