Corydon CC Heat & Humidity Policy
A primary objective of the Corydon Community Centre is to provide as safe an environment as possible for our players, coaches and fans. Consistent with that objective, the following HEAT/HUMIDITY GUIDELINES have been developed for immediate use.
Parents/Guardians are strongly urged throughout the day to insure that players are adequately hydrated before coming to practice by drinking water or sports drinks designed to replace electrolytes. Drinks containing caffeine are discouraged.
No Corydon Community Centre outdoor activities will take place if the heat/humidity index is 41 or above. When the heat/humidity index reaches that level all activities are suspended for a minimum of 30 minutes and cannot resume until the heat/humidity index returns to a lower level.
If the heat/humidity index is 38-40, outdoor activities are limited to practice in cloth gear only (pants and T-shirts). Water breaks must be provided no less than every 15 minutes and players will be allowed to get water at any time. Frequent breaks should take place to allow the players to cool off. Coaches are encouraged to use cool towels to cool down players at least once per hour. Practices will be reduced to no more than 90 minutes in duration.
If the heat/humidity index is 35-37, practice in full gear will be allowed, with frequent water breaks no less than every 15 minutes and players will be allowed to get water at any time. Frequent breaks should take place to allow the players to cool off. Coaches are encouraged to use cool towels to cool down players at least once per hour. Practices will be reduced to no more than 90 minutes in duration.
If the heat/humidity index is 32-34, 5-10 minute rest breaks should be taken every hour, water breaks every 15 minutes, and players should be under careful supervision from coaches and trainers. Practices will be the regularly scheduled not to exceed 120 minutes.
If the heat/humidity index is 28-31, players will be watched closely by coaches for any heat distress and frequent water breaks will be taken.
What are the consequences of heat exposure?
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion usually occurs after prolonged exposure to heat and/or heavy exercise in the heat resulting in increased loss of body fluids through heavy sweating.
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Clammy, pale skin
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness(fatigue)
- Headache and or dizziness
How is heat exhaustion treated?
Children suffering from heat exhaustion need to be removed from the heat immediately and given water to drink and cool compresses on their skin. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is not life threatening, and will resolve with rest, fluids and cooling down.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a very dangerous and a potentially life threatening form of heat stress or injury. The body is so overwhelmed by the heat and humidity that it loses the capacity to sweat. This results in very high body temperature which in severe cases can actually cause brain damage and tragically, even lead to death.
The signs of heat stroke include:
- Very high body temperature (103 degrees-F or higher)
- Hot, red and dry skin
- Absence of sweating
- Deep or shallow breathing
- A weak pulse rate
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Heat stroke can occur suddenly and is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.