June 2020 - 27

that deal with the most heat-related
illnesses and have seen the most deaths
by athletes. He said that both coaches
and athletes need to be cognizant of
how acclimated the athletes are to the
heat, and take measures to make sure
that they do not put themselves into
dangerous situations.
Trust in the Trainers
In North Carolina, athletes know a
thing or two about the uncomfortable
summer heat. The average
temperature in the Tar Heel State is in
the high 70s from July to September,
with humidity to match. The sticky
days and nights make training for the
fall season a slog for all involved.
Deran Coe said that the boys and
girls under his umbrella in the Wake
County School District, based in
Cary, North Carolina, know that they
must be ready for an uncomfortable
start to their fall season every year.
Coe oversees 24 high schools and
39 middle schools at the Director of
Athletics for the 15th largest public
school district in the United States.
He said that communication is key
for his school system in its efforts to
prevent heat injuries, starting with
the support system that is in place as
a bridge between the athletes and
the coaches.
" All of our high schools have
certified athletic trainers, " explained
Coe. " They are the ones that govern
how the day is approached in regards
to heat management. "
Schools across the United States
at both the collegiate and high school
levels are adhering to the Wet-Bulb
Globe Temperature (WBGT) to
determine the correct way to approach
a day's activities. WBGT is an apparent
temperature used to estimate the effect
of temperature, humidity, wind speed,
and infrared radiation on humans. It
is used by athletes, hygienists and the
military to determine the appropriate
levels of temperature that can be
exposed to individuals.
For Coe's schools there is a
five-step approach to temperature
that is followed. Anything under
80 degrees is open for full practice
and activity, with water breaks
available at regular intervals and
when necessary for individuals.
Temperatures between 80-85
degrees mandate a water break no
less than every 25 minutes. Between
85-87.9 on the WBGT scale demands
more frequent breaks for rest and
water, and an immersion pool must
be on-site. If the number hits 88-88.9
on the WBGT index then all athletes
must be under constant supervision,
there will be no pads used at practice
and water breaks are at five-minute
intervals with rest every 15 minutes.
Anything 90 degrees or above on
the WBGT index, which would be
anything over 125 on the heat index,
and practice is suspended.
Coe's coaches all must take the
National Federation Of State High
School Associations (NFHS) HeatIllness
Prevention course. He said
that the course allows coaches to
understand why trainers have control
Prevent Heat Stress Injuries
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June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2020