2026–2027 · last source review

New Jersey WBGT rules for high school sports.

New Jersey requires on-site WBGT measurement and recording. Forecast values can preview the bands but cannot activate official instructions.

What coaches need to know

Under 80°F: normal activity with at least three 3-minute rest breaks each hour.
80.0–85.0°F: use discretion and provide at least three 4-minute rest breaks each hour.
85.1–88.0°F: maximum 2-hour practice, specified equipment removed, and four 4-minute breaks each hour.
88.1–90.0°F: maximum 1-hour practice, no conditioning, specified equipment removed, and 20 total minutes of rest.
Over 90°F: no outdoor workouts.

2026–2027 Heat Participation Policy / Cold Water Immersion Tub Policy

Applies to outdoor practices and games in all sports. A scientifically approved on-site WBGT reading is required at least hourly, beginning 30 minutes before activity. Forecast values may be used only to preview the policy bands.

Condition	What the coach does
WBGT under 80°	Normal activities Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 3 minutes each. Keep rest in a shaded area with unrestricted access to fluids.
WBGT 80°–85°	Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise Watch at-risk athletes carefully. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each. Keep rest in a shaded area with unrestricted access to fluids.
WBGT 85°–88°	Limit practice to 2 hours and remove specified equipment Limit practice to 2 hours. For football, lacrosse, and field hockey, remove helmets and shoulder pads for practice and conditioning. For all sports, provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour, at least 4 minutes each. Provide required cooling equipment in the cooling zone.
WBGT 88°–90°	Limit practice to 1 hour with no conditioning Limit practice to 1 hour. For football, lacrosse, and field hockey, no protective equipment may be worn. For all sports, no conditioning activities are allowed. Distribute 20 minutes of rest breaks throughout the hour. Provide required cooling equipment in the cooling zone.
WBGT over 90°	No outdoor workouts Delay outdoor activity 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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