California schools are taking a stand against heatstroke and heat-related illnesses with the latest CIF guidelines for on-site WBGT monitoring. If you don’t know what that is, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about the California CIF temperature rules and how this new mandate helps protect athletes and keeps them performing at their peak!
This in-depth guide explores the impact of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitoring and school heat safety on athletes and athletic trainers. We’ll also discuss how schools can comply with the new California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) heat stress mandate.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has mandated WBGT monitoring during athletic activities, particularly during high-risk periods of heat exposure (CIF, 2024).
These heat stress policies in California provide clear protocols for managing heat-related risks to prioritize the safety of student-athletes. Governor Newsom’s Extreme Heat Action Plan allocates resources towards community outreach and education, vulnerability assessments, and establishing cooling centers.
The new heat stress bill requires these regulations for all CIF-member schools in California, effective July 1, 2024:
1. Modified Practice Schedules:
– Schools must schedule outdoor practices during cooler times, like early morning or late evening, with frequent breaks and shade.
– Schools must postpone or cancel practices and/or competitions during extreme heat.
– Athletic Trainers can gradually increase the intensity and duration of practice sessions over 10-14 days.
2. Monitor Athlete Health:
– Coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes must be trained to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
– Student-athletes who display signs of heat illness must be removed from a practice or game and may not return until they have written clearance from a health care provider.
3. Heat Illness Prevention:
– Schools must invest in WBGT monitoring tools like handheld monitors or weather stations to take WBGT readings.
– Schools must have ice baths or special cooling wraps on hand to treat heat stroke and other heat illnesses.
– Coaches and athletes must learn the importance of taking regular water breaks during practice and games and recognizing signs of dehydration.
4. Five-Day Acclimatization Period:
– Outdoor fall sports have a five-day warm-up and acclimatization period. Practices will be shorter with limited gear for the first few days.
5. Emergency Action Plan:
– Each school must have an emergency action plan in place, with a list of the locations of all on-site emergency equipment, assigned personnel, and post-emergency procedures.
– Plus, at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) must be readily available.
CIF Guidelines
These changes aim to create a safer environment for student-athletes by promoting awareness and making informed decisions on heat stress risks.
The CIF wet bulb globe temperature mandate in California impacts schools, athletic trainers, and coaches responsible for athlete safety during practices and competitions. All California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member schools and athletic programs will have to implement specific on-site WBGT monitoring and heat illness prevention plans based on WBGT readings. The CIF requires that schools use the WBGT for the most accurate measurement.
Schools must invest in wet bulb globe temperature monitoring equipment and train coaches and athletic trainers to interpret and respond to WBGT data effectively.
The CIF specifies outdoor activity guidelines based on environmental conditions in your region and has classified them into three categories as listed in the heat safety table below:
CIF member schools can determine which WBGT region they are in below:
Search for your school below to see what WBGT region you’re in 👇
California’s diverse geography calls for a nuanced approach to monitoring the wet bulb globe temperature. Different regions experience varying degrees of heat intensity, requiring tailored policies. The wet bulb globe temperature chart lists the state’s WBGT zone guidelines outlining protocols based on regional heat variations, like:
In Category 3, with its faster acclimatization, activity modifications might be recommended at a WBGT of 82°F (27.8°C), compared to 85°F (29.4°C) in Category 1. Understanding these nuances is crucial for schools to prevent heat illness and ensure athlete safety effectively.
WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) is a wet bulb formula that measures heat stress in direct sunlight by taking into account:
Heat stress happens when the body temperature struggles to cool down. Athletes are particularly susceptible to heat stress during exercise. Traditional methods, such as air temperature alone, are insufficient for assessing heat stress risks. This is where WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) comes in.
Unlike the heat index, which focuses on air temperature and humidity, WBGT offers a holistic assessment of the environment, making it the preferred method for determining safe outdoor activity levels for athletes engaged in physical activities.
The heat index falls short of assessing heat stress risks for outdoor activities. The Heat Index mainly considers air temperature and humidity, neglecting factors like wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. A WBGT meter addresses these limitations by offering an accurate assessment of environmental heat stress and its impact on the human body.
A higher WBGT reading leads to a greater risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and muscle cramps.
Monitoring WBGT is essential for protecting athletes’ health and safety during outdoor practices, games, and events.
You can measure WBGT using handheld devices known as WBGT monitors, on-site weather stations, or through online weather WBGT apps. These devices incorporate temperature, humidity, and solar radiation sensors to calculate wet bulb temperature and the WBGT index. Regular monitoring of WBGT levels allows athletic trainers to adjust training schedules, implement hydration protocols, and make informed decisions.
As athletes exert themselves, their bodies generate heat that they need to expend to maintain a safe internal temperature. When environmental conditions, such as high humidity or limited air movement, hinder heat evaporation, WBGT rises.
Ensuring accurate and reliable wet bulb globe temperature monitoring is crucial for safeguarding athletes from heat stress and poor air quality. While various options exist, each carries advantages and limitations. Understanding these differences is essential for schools and athletic programs to choose the best solution for their specific needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common WBGT monitoring methods:
This portable wet bulb globe temperature device offers quick readings, making it an easy option for athletic trainers and coaches overseeing outdoor activities.
However, it often displays inconsistent and inaccurate readings and requires a lot of manual adjustments compared to professional weather stations.
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable: Convenient for taking measurements on the go | Lack of Accuracy: It features a small 1-inch black bulb sensor for WBGT monitoring. However, a sensor of that size often leads to inaccurate readings compared to larger, professional weather stations. |
| Durable: Designed for outdoor use | Manual operation: Requires user to take readings manually, increasing the risk of human error. |
| Limited features: Doesn’t offer features like real-time monitoring, historical data logging, or customizable alerts. | |
| Lack of Policy Integration: Doesn’t support customizing policies for seamless organizational policy integration, requiring additional manual effort. | |
| Limited Connectivity: Relies on WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for updates, which may not always be reliable, especially outdoors. | |
| Cost: While cheaper upfront, ongoing costs might be higher as it needs frequent calibration |
Several free weather apps offer estimated WBGT readings based on local weather data.
While convenient and accessible, these estimates may not be as accurate, fast, or site-specific as weather stations.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-Effective: No initial cost to download the app or access the website. | Lack of Accuracy: Does not offer hyperlocal on-site weather data and hence the estimated WBGT readings might not be accurate for your specific location. |
| Accessibility: Offers basic weather information on most smartphones. | No Real-time Updates: Free apps like Weather Bug also source weather data that is delayed by several minutes, making it an unreliable and potentially dangerous weather safety monitoring solution. |
| Limited Features: Lacks crucial features like customizable alerts, historical data logging, and WBGT forecasts. | |
| Lack of Policy Integration: Doesn’t support customizing policies for seamless organizational policy integration, requiring additional manual effort. |
Learn More About Why Free Apps Don’t Cut It For WBGT Monitoring
There are many types of weather stations with significant variations in quality and reliability.
On-site weather stations like Perry Weather provide WBGT data alongside other weather parameters. This option can be cost-effective and presents more accurate, real-time readings, and is ideal for continuous monitoring.
| Pros | Cons |
| Accurate Readings: Precise, automated WBGT readings every 15 minutes, eliminating the need for manual temperature measurements and reducing the risk of human error. | Higher cost of entry compared to general-purpose weather monitoring devices |
| Custom Alerts: Customizable alerts for heat stress, lightning, and custom triggers or manual warnings. | |
| Real-Time Weather Data: Continuous monitoring for real-time data and proactive decision-making. | |
| Hyperlocal Precision: Precise, accurate, on-site data in real-time, WBGT and Heat Stress Monitoring | |
| Historical Log: Historical data log to analyze WBGT trends for informed planning. |
Accurately monitoring weather conditions, particularly heat stress, can be a challenge. Traditional handheld tools like Kestrels are often inconsistent and require additional setup, leading to potential inaccuracies. This is where Perry Weather steps in. Perry Weather’s user-friendly solution empowers schools to confidently monitor weather conditions and prioritize athlete safety.
Perry Weather automates monitoring Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) by recording values every 15 minutes, so you’ll never need to manually log or take notes ever again.
Perry Weather instantly sends clear, actionable alerts based on WBGT zone guidelines, so athletic trainers always know that their students are safe.
Perry Weather’s weather monitoring platform allows an entire school district to rely on a single platform for consistent weather data, leaving no room for discrepancies.
Perry Weather’s meteorologist team is available 24/7 for expert guidance and planning support via email, phone, or text.
Radiation Shield for Accuracy:
Sunlight and other external heat sources can skew handheld monitor readings. Perry Weather stations combat this with an integrated radiation shield, guaranteeing measurements are not influenced by these factors. This ensures unmatched precision compared to Kestrels that lack this critical feature.
Automated Readings to Eliminate Human Error:
Handheld monitors require frequent calibration and are susceptible to user error when moving between environments. Perry Weather stations automate readings and eliminate the risk of human error, ensuring consistent and reliable data.
Actionable Alerts and Outdoor Warning System:
Perry Weather sends clear and concise instructions based on WBGT zone policies, so coaches know exactly what to do during practices or games. Notifications and warnings can be customized and broadcast via text, mobile app, as well as the outdoor warning system.
With Perry Weather, California schools can comply with CIF regulations and simplify the WBGT monitoring process while prioritizing the well-being of their athletes.
Understanding how different surfaces affect Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings is crucial for accurate heat stress monitoring. Here’s a breakdown based on scientific studies and Colin and Tim’s expert insights:
Surface Variability
Different surfaces like grass, turf, and composite tennis courts can show variations in temperature and humidity.
Grass and Turf Fields: These surfaces might have slightly different ambient temperatures and humidity levels. For example, grass might be cooler, while turf could retain more heat.
Composite Tennis Courts: These tend to have higher ambient temperatures but lower humidity compared to grass or turf. Dr. Gruenstein’s studies highlight these distinctions, but note that the overall WBGT readings remain similar due to compensating factors.
For instance, the surface of the stove is considerably hotter than the air just a few inches above it. Similarly, different outdoor surfaces react differently to sunlight. Grass and artificial turf, for example, absorb and retain heat at varying rates. This difference in surface temperature directly impacts the WBGT reading.
Scientific Studies
Extensive research by Dr. Gruenstein at the University of Georgia has demonstrated that the variations in WBGT readings across different surfaces are minimal.
Study Findings: Composite tennis courts may show higher temperatures but lower humidity, whereas grass or synthetic turf may exhibit the opposite. These variations neutralize each other in the WBGT calculation, which includes five different variables. This approach ensures that the final readings are reliable and consistent regardless of the surface.
Measurement Height
The height at which WBGT readings are taken significantly influences the results.
Surface vs. Shoulder Height: Measurements taken directly on the surface, like turf, can show extremely high temperatures, as seen in examples where sideline reporters use infrared guns during games.
However, readings at shoulder height, where athletes experience the air, are less affected by surface heat. The air above the surface mixes well, leading to more accurate WBGT readings.
Practical Implications
The choice of equipment impacts the accuracy and reliability of WBGT data.
Handheld Devices: These require manual measurements at multiple points and times, which can be influenced by the immediate surface temperature and are labor-intensive.
Stationary Units: These are installed at a consistent height and provide continuous, reliable data unaffected by surface-level heat variations. For example, stationary units on press boxes or field houses offer consistent readings without the need for constant manual intervention.
While handheld WBGT devices might seem more intuitive for field use, stationary weather stations can offer the same level of accuracy when equipped with appropriate features and adjustments, even if it’s not directly on the field or playing surface.
Handheld devices have limitations: Handheld WBGT devices can be less accurate due to factors like lack of radiation shielding and smaller black bulb measurements, leading to more variable readings.
Stationary systems with adjustments can be accurate: Stationary weather stations, when equipped with proper wind speed adjustments for height, can provide accurate WBGT readings even when placed on elevated structures like press boxes.
Real-world comparisons support accuracy: Field tests and studies have shown that stationary systems with height-adjusted wind calculations produce WBGT readings comparable to those from handheld devices placed directly on the field.
Schools in the East Bay area face unique challenges with high temperatures and poor air quality due to wildfires. It’s essential to monitor WBGT to ensure the safety of students during outdoor activities.
Daily Monitoring Recommended
Wet bulb globe temperature should be monitored daily, especially as soon as temperatures begin to climb.
The WBGT temperature at which you should cancel outdoor sports depends on the region and category you belong to. If your region is in category 1, no outdoor sports can take place once the WBGT reaches 86.2°F
Watch our webinar for more FAQs and insights on the CIF rules
As the focus on weather safety in school athletics intensifies, monitoring WBGT levels is crucial to protect student-athletes from heat-related risks. The new CIF rules put WBGT monitoring in California front and center to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes. By investing in reliable wet bulb globe temperature meter monitoring solutions like Perry Weather, schools can tackle these challenges effectively and create a safer environment for student-athletes to thrive.
Learn more about how Perry Weather can help your school comply with the new WBGT policies and ensure athlete safety. Visit our website or contact us today to discuss your specific weather monitoring needs.
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