Current statewide policy · last source review

Washington heat rules for high school sports.

Washington uses a geographic heat-index calculator, so PracticeCast can apply the official WIAA bands directly to the selected hour's forecast heat index.

What coaches need to know

Below 80°F heat index: unlimited water and no more than 5 total practice hours.
80–94°F: maintain unlimited water and monitor athletes.
95–99°F: consider postponing; maximum 2-hour practice, 4 total hours, and 3-hour recovery between practices.
100–104°F: postpone practice, restrict contact equipment, and retain the 2-hour practice limit.
105°F and above: stop outdoor activity and indoor activity without air conditioning.

WIAA Heat Index Policy

WIAA directs schools to use its geographic heat-index calculator within one hour of activity when the forecast heat index is at least 85°F. PracticeCast applies the same published bands to forecast heat index.

Condition	What the coach does
Heat index under 80°	Safe for most participants Limit total practice to 5 hours per day in divided sessions. Keep unlimited water available.
Heat index 80°–95°	Notice: monitor athletes and provide unlimited water Limit total practice to 5 hours per day in divided sessions. Keep unlimited water available. Monitor athletes for heat illness.
Heat index 95°–100°	Consider postponing practice Consider postponing practice to later in the day. Limit total practice to 4 hours and each practice to 2 hours. Provide a mandatory 3-hour recovery period between practices. Remove helmets and other equipment when not needed for contact or safety. Provide unlimited water and monitor athletes.
Heat index 100°–105°	Postpone practice to later in the day Postpone practice to later in the day. Limit total practice to 4 hours and each practice to 2 hours; hold one practice during a cooler period. Provide a mandatory 3-hour recovery period between practices. For contact sports, restrict equipment to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts. Reduce activity and provide unlimited water.
Heat index 105° and above	Stop activity Stop all outdoor practice and play. Stop indoor activity when air conditioning is unavailable.

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

Check my location’s forecast Read the official source

Use the current governing document. Local schools, districts, leagues, activities, and medical staff may apply additional or stricter requirements.

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