Current adopted policy · last source review

Kentucky WBGT rules for high school sports.

Kentucky uses the Region 3 WBGT scale and requires a properly calibrated on-site device. Websites and phone apps cannot substitute for the official reading.

What coaches need to know

Below 82.0°F WBGT: normal activity with at least three 3-minute rest breaks each hour.
82.1–86.9°F: use discretion, add longer breaks, monitor at-risk athletes, and prepare rapid cooling.
87.1–90.0°F: maximum 2-hour practice, four rest breaks each hour, and equipment restrictions for collision sports.
90.1–91.9°F: maximum 1-hour practice, no post-activity conditioning, no protective equipment in specified sports, and 20 total minutes of shaded rest.
92.0°F and above: no outdoor workouts.

Procedure for Avoiding Heat Injury/Illness — Region 3

Kentucky uses the Region 3 warmer-climate scale. KHSAA requires an on-site WBGT device and says websites, phone apps, and nearby media readings cannot substitute. Measurements are taken at least hourly and every 30 minutes after a reading above 86.9°F.

Condition	What the coach does
WBGT under 82°	Normal activities Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 3 minutes each.
WBGT 82°–87°	Use discretion and prepare rapid cooling Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise and watch at-risk athletes carefully. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each. Prepare a cold-water immersion tub or another rapid-cooling method.
WBGT 87°–90.1°	Limit practice to 2 hours and modify equipment Limit practice to 2 hours, excluding rest breaks. Provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each. For football, lacrosse, and field hockey, limit protective equipment to helmets and shoulder pads and remove them for conditioning. Prepare a cold-water immersion tub or another rapid-cooling method.
WBGT 90°–92°	Limit practice to 1 hour with no conditioning Limit practice to 1 hour. Do not conduct post-practice or post-contest conditioning. Provide at least 10 minutes of shaded rest every 30 minutes, totaling 20 minutes each hour. For football, lacrosse, and field hockey, do not wear protective equipment. Prepare rapid cooling and monitor athletes carefully.
WBGT 92° and above	No outdoor workouts Delay outdoor practice until a cooler on-site WBGT level 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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