Dallas ISD Stresses Caution During Extremely Hot Temperatures

3 Aug 2006

Athletic Manual Policy in Full Effect as Well as Board Policy

DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District is taking many precautionary steps to ensure all students are safe from the extremely high temperatures that have been occurring across North Texas.

According to board policy, the district shall attempt to ensure student safety through supervision of students in all school buildings, on all school grounds, and through special attention to the following:

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2. Maintaining a reasonably safe school environment.
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4. Observing safe practices in those areas of instruction or extracurricular activities that offer special hazards.
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6. Offering safety education to students enrolled in laboratory courses in science, shop courses, health and physical education.
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8. Providing first-aid care for students in case of accident or sudden illness.
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"The district's Sports Medicine Department will be working closely with all high school and middle school coaches to ensure that the safety of our student-athletes is the primary focus as they prepare them for interscholastic competition," said Calvin Portley, interim assistant superintendent of athletics.

The district's athletic department uses a Prevention of Heat Related Illness Policy that is found in the Athletic Manual. The most common heat-related illnesses are dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the manual, there are three ways to prevent heat-related illnesses: mandatory water breaks, monitor body weight loss and monitor temperature and humidity with a measuring device called a Sling Psychrometer.

The district's athletic department insists that unlimited water and /or an electrolyte solution be available to athletes during practice and games and that scheduled water breaks be given every 20-30 minutes. Athletes' weight should be recorded each day before and after training competition and if an athlete loses more than 2 percent of his/her total body weight during a practice, he/she must not be
allowed to participate until the amount that is greater than the 2 percent is regained. Another precaution is to beware of the athlete who loses one to three pounds each day. This is indicative of slowly becoming dehydrated.

The third precautionary measure is to monitor temperature and humidity before, during and prior to post-practice conditioning. The practices must be adjusted according to levels of humidity with accordance to the following recommendations:

Sling Psychrometer readings/Field Precautions

1. Under 60 degrees Fahrenheit - None necessary.
2. 61-65 degrees Fahrenheit - Observe all athletes, particularly those who lose considerable weight.
3. 66 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit - Watch suspected players carefully.
4. 73-79 degrees Fahrenheit - Alter practice schedule to provide additional rest and water breaks. Reduce or eliminate post-practice conditioning.
5. 80 degrees Fahrenheit and higher - Postpone practice or conduct workouts in helmets and shorts. Eliminate post-practice conditioning.

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