PracticeCast
Current statewide policy · last source review

Iowa WBGT rules for high school sports.

Iowa uses the Region 2 WBGT scale and requires readings at the activity venue every 30 minutes when ambient temperature exceeds 80°F.

What coaches need to know

  • Up to 79.7°F WBGT: normal activity with three 3–5 minute rest and water breaks each hour.
  • 79.8–84.6°F: use discretion, monitor at-risk athletes, add longer breaks, and have cold-water immersion available.
  • 84.7–87.6°F: maximum 2-hour practice, partial uniform, and four 4–6 minute breaks each hour.
  • 87.7–89.7°F: maximum 1-hour practice, out of uniform, no conditioning, and 20 total minutes of rest.
  • Above 89.7°F: no outdoor practices or contests.

WBGT Heat Modification Policy — Region 2

Iowa uses the Region 2 WBGT scale. WBGT is required year-round when ambient temperature is above 80°F, indoors or outdoors, and must be measured at the activity venue every 30 minutes.

ConditionWhat the coach does
WBGT up to 79.7°Normal activities
  • Provide three separate rest and water breaks each hour, 3–5 minutes each.
  • Allow unrestricted access to water and fluids.
WBGT 79.7°–84.6°Use discretion for intense or prolonged practice
  • Provide three separate rest and water breaks each hour, 4–6 minutes each.
  • Monitor at-risk athletes closely.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
WBGT 84.6°–87.6°Limit practice to 2 hours and reduce equipment
  • Limit practice to 2 hours.
  • Reduce equipment to a partial uniform and remove additional football equipment for conditioning.
  • Provide four separate rest and water breaks each hour, 4–6 minutes each.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
WBGT 87.6°–89.7°Limit practice to 1 hour with no conditioning
  • Limit practice to 1 hour.
  • Practice out of uniform and do not conduct conditioning.
  • Distribute 20 minutes of rest throughout the hour.
  • Have cold-water immersion available.
WBGT over 89.7°No outdoor activities
  • Cancel or delay outdoor practices and contests until a lower venue WBGT is recorded.

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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