PracticeCast
Current statewide minimum standards · last source review

Illinois WBGT rules for high school sports.

Illinois requires documented on-site WBGT readings for athletic activity, including non-air-conditioned indoor facilities. PracticeCast displays the statewide bands as a planning preview.

What coaches need to know

  • Up to 79.9°F WBGT: normal activity and three 3-minute breaks each hour.
  • 80.0–84.5°F: three 5-minute breaks and cold-water immersion available.
  • 84.6–87.5°F: maximum 2-hour practice, 20 minutes of rest per hour, football equipment limits, and no new contests.
  • 87.6–89.9°F: maximum 1-hour practice, 20 minutes of rest, no football protective equipment or conditioning.
  • 90.0°F and above: no outdoor workouts.

Managing Heat and Heat Illness

IHSA minimum standards require an on-site WBGT reading 30 minutes before activity and at least every 30 minutes after activity begins, with written records. The rules cover outdoor activity and non-air-conditioned indoor facilities.

ConditionWhat the coach does
WBGT up to 79.9°Normal activities
  • Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 3 minutes each.
  • Keep water available.
WBGT 80°–84.5°Use discretion and add rest
  • Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 5 minutes each.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
  • Watch at-risk athletes carefully.
WBGT 84.6°–87.5°Limit practice to 2 hours
  • Limit practice to 2 hours.
  • Do not start a new contest; an existing contest may conclude with required breaks.
  • Provide 20 minutes of rest during each hour.
  • Football: helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts only.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
WBGT 87.6°–89.9°Limit practice to 1 hour
  • Limit practice to 1 hour.
  • Provide 20 minutes of rest during the hour.
  • Football: no protective equipment and no conditioning.
  • Consider postponing games or practices.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
WBGT 90° and aboveNo outdoor workouts
  • Do not conduct outdoor workouts.
  • Delay activity until a cooler WBGT is reached.

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

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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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