PracticeCast
Current regulation · last source review

Ohio WBGT rules for high school sports.

Ohio requires repeated on-site WBGT measurements. PracticeCast previews OHSAA's current five-band regulation, but the official action comes from the measured reading.

What coaches need to know

  • Up to 79.7°F WBGT: normal activity and three 3-minute breaks each hour.
  • 79.8–84.6°F: three 4-minute breaks and remove idle equipment.
  • 84.7–87.6°F: maximum 2-hour practice, four breaks per hour, and football equipment limits.
  • 87.8–89.7°F: maximum 1-hour training, no added conditioning, and no football or lacrosse protective equipment.
  • 89.8°F and above: no outdoor workouts or indoor workouts without air conditioning.

Heat Acclimatization and Exertional Heat Illness Prevention

OHSAA directs schools to measure WBGT before activity and at least every 30 minutes during practice. PracticeCast's forecast WBGT is planning information only.

ConditionWhat the coach does
WBGT up to 79.7°Normal activities
  • Provide three separate 3-minute breaks each hour.
  • Keep water available and monitor athletes.
WBGT 79.8°–84.6°Add rest and remove idle equipment
  • Provide three separate 4-minute breaks each hour.
  • Remove helmets and other equipment when the athlete is not directly involved and rules do not require it.
WBGT 84.7°–87.6°Limit practice to 2 hours
  • Limit practice to 2 hours.
  • Provide four separate 4-minute breaks each hour.
  • Football: helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts only.
  • Consider postponing until later in the day.
WBGT 87.8°–89.7°Limit training to 1 hour; no conditioning
  • Limit training to 1 hour.
  • Provide four separate 5-minute breaks.
  • Do not add conditioning.
  • Football and lacrosse: no helmets, shoulder pads, or other equipment.
WBGT 89.8° and aboveNo workouts without air conditioning
  • Do not hold outdoor workouts.
  • Do not hold indoor workouts unless the space is air conditioned.

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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