Revised Fall 2025 · last source review

Delaware WBGT rules for high school sports.

Delaware's revised Fall 2025 heat policy uses five on-site WBGT bands, requires documented field readings, and requires a healthcare professional before practice can occur in the red band.

What coaches need to know

Up to 79.7°F WBGT: normal activity with three 3-minute breaks and cooling available.
79.8–84.6°F: three shaded 4-minute breaks and close monitoring.
84.7–87.6°F: maximum 2-hour practice, a break after every 15 minutes, equipment limits, and reduced workload for higher-risk athletes.
87.7–89.6°F: practice only with a qualified healthcare professional, maximum 1 hour, 5 minutes of rest after every 10 minutes, and no equipment or conditioning.
89.7°F and above: no outdoor activities.

DIAA Weather Policy for Athlete Safety

DIAA requires a scientifically approved WBGT instrument at the participation field, readings beginning 30 minutes before activity and at least hourly, and documentation above 79.8°F. PracticeCast forecast WBGT is planning information only.

Condition	What the coach does
WBGT up to 79.7°	Normal activities Provide at least three separate 3-minute rest breaks each hour. Keep an approved alternative cooling method at the site.
WBGT 79.8°–84.6°	Use discretion and watch at-risk athletes Provide at least three separate shaded water/rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each.
WBGT 84.7°–87.6°	Limit practice to 2 hours Limit practice to 2 hours. Provide at least a 4-minute shaded water/rest break after every 15 minutes. Football, lacrosse, and field-hockey goalies: helmets and shoulder pads only; no helmets or pads for conditioning. Reduce workload by 50% for linemen, non-acclimatized, and deconditioned athletes.
WBGT 87.7°–89.6°	Qualified healthcare professional required; limit practice to 1 hour Hold practice only with a qualified healthcare professional present. Limit practice to 1 hour under that supervision. Provide 5 minutes of shaded water/rest after every 10 minutes of activity. Do not wear protective equipment or conduct conditioning.
WBGT 89.7° and above	No outdoor activities Delay activity until a cooler on-site WBGT is reached. For competition, wait 30 minutes and take another WBGT reading before considering resumption.

Source reviewed 2026-07-30. An on-site WBGT reading is required for the official call.

Check my location’s forecast Read the official source

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

Browse every state