Current statewide protocol · last source review

New Mexico heat rules for high school sports.

New Mexico permits a phone weather app's heat index when a WBGT instrument is unavailable, so PracticeCast can apply the official alternative bands to the hourly forecast.

What coaches need to know

  • Below 95°F heat index: at least 10 minutes of rest each hour; two or three breaks are recommended.
  • 95–99°F: maximum 2-hour practice, at least 15 minutes of rest each hour, and football equipment limits.
  • 100–104°F: maximum 1-hour practice, at least 20 minutes of rest, no conditioning, and no football protective equipment for non-contact work.
  • 105°F and above: no outdoor practice.
  • NMAA prefers WBGT but permits a phone weather application for heat index when no instrument is available.

Heat Illness Prevention Protocol

NMAA prefers WBGT but permits a cell-phone weather application to obtain heat index when a WBGT instrument is unavailable. PracticeCast applies the protocol's heat-index alternative to the selected hour.

ConditionWhat the coach does
Heat index under 95°Normal practice with heat precautions
  • Provide at least 10 minutes of rest each hour.
  • Two or three rest breaks per hour are recommended.
  • Keep water readily available and monitor athletes for heat illness.
Heat index 95°–100°Limit practice to 2 hours
  • Limit practice to 2 hours.
  • Provide at least 15 minutes of rest each hour.
  • Football may use helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts for non-contact activity; remove protective equipment during conditioning.
Heat index 100°–105°Limit practice to 1 hour; no conditioning
  • Limit practice to 1 hour.
  • Provide at least 20 minutes of rest during the hour.
  • Do not conduct conditioning activities.
  • Football may not wear protective equipment during non-contact activity.
Heat index 105° and aboveNo outdoor practice
  • Do not conduct outdoor practice.

Source reviewed 2026-07-30. Follow the source’s allowed measurement method.

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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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