Extreme heat could cause some local high schools to move or cancel practices

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MSHSAA guidelines could lead to some local high schools having to reconsider the times they practice as temperatures rise across Mid-Missouri.

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Thursday and Friday, as the heat index may come close to 110 degrees.

According to MSHSAA, precautionary measures should be taken when the heat index is between 95-105 degrees. If the heat index is more than, 105, plans to postpone or reschedule games should be considered between both schools.

Father Tolton High School in Columbia moved its practice Wednesday back two hours to try to avoid the heat. Fulton High School outright canceled its Thursday practice due to the impending heat.

MSHSAA guidelines state that extra water breaks should be given to athletes, and can be scheduled every 10 or 15 minutes. Head football coach for Father Tolton High School, Michael Egnew said his team's practices have been back two hours everyday for the remainder of the week, and that he is taking extra pre-cautions.

"We've done a lot of extra water," Egnew said. "And then every period what we're gonna do is take our helmets and shoulder pads off and then of course we're always monitoring it so."

Other possible procedures that should be considered when the heat index is high include:

• Possible cancellation of all practice
• Shorter practice time
• Early morning or late evening practice
• Move outside practice session indoors

Athletes and coaches should also keep an eye out for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke and take the appropriate medical steps if necessary.

Communications Director for MSHSAA, Jason West said that athletes should never be afraid to tell their coaches if they begin to notice signs that they could be suffering from a heat-related illness. West also said checking in with your teammates is a good idea.

"You know if you do feel somethings wrong, you do feel light headed... you do start to feel dizzy say something," West said.

West also said it's important that coaches take care of themselves as well.

"Hydrate hydrate hydrate as much as you can and make sure you're staying sharp," West said.

The MSHSAA also states that the main issue with exercising while it's hot is losing water through sweat. Guidelines note that athletes should be weighed before and after practice, and should not be allowed to practice if more than 3% of weight is lost.