The Jefferson County Public Schools athletics director, April Brooks, is implementing new heat policies in response to extreme weather across Kentucky. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association is now using the wet bulb globe temperature monitor to measure heat stress, a change highlighted in The Courier Journal’s Safer Sidelines series. The new rules require mandatory hydration breaks and equipment removal based on WBGT readings during football games. Other outdoor sports in the state follow similar guidelines. However, there is no mention of changes to heat policies for practices.
Experts believe that using another state’s policies may not be suitable for Kentucky’s unique climate. Still, the new regulations aim to protect athletes following the death of Max Gilpin 16 years ago from exertional heat stroke. There is a concern about ensuring schools have the necessary equipment and monitoring procedures in place.
While the KHSAA’s focus is currently on football, heat-related deaths in athletes are a significant concern across the country, with August being the deadliest month historically. A database tracking sudden athlete deaths, including heat-related ones, has been created by The Courier Journal in collaboration with experts like Scott Anderson. The last known death from exertional heat stroke in Kentucky was University of Cumberlands wrestler Grant Brace in 2020.
The use of the wet bulb globe temperature to determine heat stress has been proven to be more accurate compared to the heat index. However, there are still challenges regarding equipment accessibility and accountability among schools. The new policies are a step in the right direction towards safeguarding athletes against the dangers of extreme heat in Kentucky.
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