Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Sports
Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Baseball, Softball, Sand Volleyball
Blue Valley Recreation has implemented the following Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Sports. These guidelines address extreme heat at all outdoor youth sports (baseball, softball, and sand volleyball) games and practices. It is designed to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat.
The two values that Blue Valley Rec will take into account when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity. The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We rely on the heat index reading that is updated hourly by the National Weather Service at the Olathe Executive Airport.
Blue Valley Rec has defined five heat index zones based on recommended guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme heat. Because the heat index does not take into account wind and direct sunlight, two degrees will be added to the stated heat index on sunny and still days. Likewise, two degrees will be subtracted on cloudy and windy days.
The below heat zones are merely guidelines and it is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in BVRC events when heat may be a factor, taking into consideration the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration.
PLEASE NOTE – The heat index will not be decided until 30 minutes prior to the start of your game. All games will finish with the heat index zone with which the games started.
You can see upcoming forecasts from AccuWeather. Make sure to check our Inclement Weather page for cancellations.
Heat Zones
The heat index will not be decided until 30 minutes prior to the start of your game. All games will finish with the heat index zone with which the games started.
White Zone
Heat index of 65-80 degrees. In this range, the participant is in very little danger from heat and no special measures will be taken.
Yellow Zone
Heat index of 81-98 degrees. In this range, coaches will be encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices.
Orange Zone
Heat index of 99-105 degrees. In this range, we will implement the following at games: all measures taken in the Yellow Zone; catchers will be allowed to catch only two innings in succession. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to keep players well hydrated and to take frequent breaks.
Red Zone
Heat index ranging of 106 to 110 degrees. In this range, we will implement the following for games: all measures taken in the Yellow and Orange Zones; the length of games will be modified according to the schedule below.
• Softball grades PreK-12 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades PreK-2 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades 3-12 – games will be reduced by 20 minutes
• Sand Volleyball grades 3-12 – all games will be played to 15pts
If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated by having them drink water.
Black Zone
Heat index above 110. In this range, all games and practices are cancelled until the heat index returns to 110 or below. Notification will be given through the rainout line, our Inclement Weather page, and by staff at the Sports Complex.
Note – During the course of the day, the heat index will rise and fall depending upon the time of day, amount of wind, cloud cover, etc. The above program modifications could also change throughout the course of the day, especially on a weekend. For example, a 1pm game on Saturday could be played under the Orange Zone guidelines and a 4pm game could be played under Red Zone guidelines.
These heat guidelines will be in effect for fall baseball as well. Other outdoor activities such as tennis lessons, soccer camp, etc., will be modified by the instructor on site.