Current policy · last source review

Alabama heat rules for high school sports.

Alabama prefers WBGT when available, but its AHSAA policy allows weather-service data to determine heat index when a WBGT device is unavailable.

What coaches need to know

Below 91°F heat index: basic heat safety, close monitoring, and three 4-minute breaks each hour.
91–102°F heat index: maximum 2-hour practice, football equipment limits, and four 4-minute breaks each hour.
103–126°F heat index: maximum 1-hour practice, football helmets only, and 20 total minutes of rest.
Above 126°F heat index: no outdoor practice.
AHSAA permits heat index from weather-service temperature and humidity when WBGT is unavailable.

Heat Stress Exercise Restrictions

AHSAA prefers WBGT when available. Its official restriction sheet says weather-service temperature and humidity may be used to assess heat index when WBGT is unavailable. This PracticeCast model uses the policy's heat-index bands.

Condition	What the coach does
Heat index under 91°	Basic heat safety and planning Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each. Watch at-risk athletes closely.
Heat index 91°–103°	Limit practice to 2 hours and modify equipment Limit practice to 2 hours. For football, limit equipment to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts; remove all equipment for conditioning. For all sports, provide at least four separate 4-minute rest breaks each hour.
Heat index 103°–126°	Limit practice to 1 hour Limit practice to 1 hour. For football, helmets only. For all sports, distribute 20 minutes of rest throughout the hour.
Heat index over 126°	No outdoor practice Do not conduct outdoor practice. Delay practice until the heat index is cooler.

Source reviewed 2026-07-30. Follow the source’s allowed measurement method.

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Use the current governing document. Local schools, districts, leagues, activities, and medical staff may apply additional or stricter requirements.

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