PracticeCast
Current statewide procedure · last source review

New York heat rules for high school sports.

New York permits a geographic WeatherBug heat-index reading, so PracticeCast can apply NYSPHSAA's published heat-index bands without a WBGT device.

What coaches need to know

  • Under 79°F heat index: full activity.
  • 80–85°F: add water breaks, monitor athletes, and consider reducing practice.
  • 86–90°F: consider postponing or reducing practice and provide equal recovery time.
  • 91–95°F: water every 15 minutes, lightweight clothing, equal recovery time, and football helmets only.
  • 96°F and above: no outdoor activity; indoor activity only with air conditioning.

Heat Index Procedures — WeatherBug

NYSPHSAA allows WeatherBug's geographic 'Feels Like' heat index or a field WBGT indicator. This model uses the published WeatherBug heat-index bands.

ConditionWhat the coach does
Heat index under 79°Full activity
  • No heat-index restrictions apply.
Heat index 80°–86°Heat Index Caution
  • Provide ample water and multiple water breaks.
  • Monitor athletes for heat illness.
  • Consider reducing practice duration.
Heat index 86°–91°Heat Index Watch
  • Provide ample water and multiple water breaks.
  • Monitor athletes for heat illness.
  • Consider postponing or reducing practice.
  • Provide 1 hour of recovery for every hour of practice.
Heat index 91°–96°Heat Index Warning
  • Provide water breaks every 15 minutes.
  • Monitor athletes for heat illness.
  • Consider postponing or reducing practice.
  • Provide 1 hour of recovery for every hour of practice.
  • Use lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; football practices use helmets only.
Heat index 96° and aboveNo outdoor activity
  • Do not hold outdoor activity, practice, or contests.
  • Hold indoor activity only in an air-conditioned facility.

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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