Beginning Aug. 1, Chapel Hill ISD will implement new heat-safety protocols for outdoor UIL athletic and marching band activities as required by the University Interscholastic League.
Under the new requirements, districts must use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, to monitor outdoor conditions. Unlike the traditional heat index, WBGT considers temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to provide a more accurate measurement of heat stress.
The WBGT reading will be checked 15 minutes before an outdoor practice begins and every 30 minutes throughout the activity. Based on the reading, coaches and directors may be required to provide additional rest and hydration breaks, limit protective equipment, shorten practices or suspend outdoor activities until conditions improve. “The Athletic Trainer will be responsible for the evaluation of the WBGT and modification recommendations,” said Steven Offield, Head Athletic Trainer for Chapel Hill ISD.
UIL assigns geographic areas to heat classifications based on climate. Chapel Hill ISD is located in a Class 3 area, which requires a rapid-cooling zone when the WBGT reaches 82 degrees. The cooling zone must provide immediate access to either a cold-water immersion tub or a tarp that can be filled with ice and water to rapidly cool anyone experiencing a heat-related emergency.
Thanks to the support of the Chapel Hill ISD community and the 2023 Bond, the district is well positioned to meet the changing needs of its students. The district’s Multi-Purpose Activity Center, commonly known as the MAC, provides an indoor location where students can continue practicing and rehearsing when outdoor conditions become unsafe.
Located between Bulldog Stadium and the Chapel Hill High School parking lot, the 57,000-square-foot facility supports physical wellness and serves students participating in the district’s 19 UIL programs, including athletics, band, dance and cheer. The facility can also be divided into multiple sections, allowing several student groups to use the space simultaneously.
“We are thankful to our community for supporting this facility and the many other projects included in the 2023 Bond,” said Lamond Dean, superintendent of schools. “The MAC allows us to remain prepared as UIL requirements and student safety standards continue to evolve. Most importantly, it provides a safe and flexible environment where our students can continue developing their skills.”