Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices
Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.
Texas high school football programs are adjusting their practice schedules after the state implemented mandatory heat-safety protocols on August 1, 2023. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) now requires schools to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings to determine the safety of outdoor practices. This policy, previously recommended for three years, applies to all outdoor sports and marching bands.
Athletic trainer Andra McDougall at McCallum High School in Austin explains that they base practice, water breaks, and other factors on WBGT readings, which consider temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Depending on the WBGT level, schools may require extra rest, hydration breaks, equipment limits, shortened practices, and mandatory cooling stations.
On a recent early-morning practice in Katy, the WBGT reached 86.2, necessitating additional safety measures. The UIL also enforces a gradual acclimation period at the beginning of the season, allowing athletes to adjust to heat while gradually adding full football equipment. This policy may impact conditioning, injuries, and overall performance, especially for programs without adequate indoor facilities or multiple athletic trainers.
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