While heat waves cycle through California, high school sports teams continue to work tirelessly. With an increasing amount of injuries, heat-related illnesses and fatalities seen in high school sports, it’s clear that something needs to change.

This summer, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) implemented a new law requiring schools to consistently monitor weather conditions while athletes play and compete. Differing from regular temperature software, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) can accurately measure temperature based on how it will affect the human body. It collects data by measuring air temperature, wind speed, sun angle, humidity and cloud coverage. Based on the data WBGT collects, coaches will modify their practices to accommodate their athletes. Americ Alvarado, Redwood’s athletic director, manages the WBGT results and athlete safety.
“Just because it’s 95 degrees outside, there could be a wind that could change the Wet Bulb Index,” said Alvarado.
Having new technology such as WBGT makes weather measurement far more accurate and therefore useful when planning physical activities. The new law requires that if WBGT records above 86.2 degrees fahrenheit, all physical activities must be canceled. Redwood is yet to implement this, as conditions have not yet reached such extreme levels.
“In this community, we’re very lucky that we’re so close to the water, and we get a breeze. Archie [Williams gets extreme heat] because they are in a pocket area in San Anselmo, and there’s not much wind,” Alvarado said.

Because of this, Archie Williams has had to cancel several athletic activities this season. Coaches like Allen Talley, the head varsity football coach, still take into account WBGT results even if cancellation is not required. Even if cancellation is not necessary, Talley always puts the safety and health of their players first which is crucial for the success of a team.
“Two weeks ago we had to reschedule practice [for an hour later]. We just wanted to make sure [to take] precautions, just to be safe,” said Talley.
As heat related issues are now being closely monitored, safety improvements are being made in other areas of sports such as an athlete’s gear. In football, head injuries are common. When it comes to a student-athlete and their brain development, it is important to limit as many head injuries as possible. These head injuries, though frequent, are preventable through new and advanced technology integrated into the athlete’s helmet. This new and advanced safety technology is displayed in gear such as the Guardian Cap. These helmets made of foam, which are padded on the outside of the helmet, supply an extra layer of protection for the player.
Although Guardian Caps immensely improve an athlete’s safety, there are still improvements to be made. Dante Davis, a junior on Varsity football, explains some downsides that come with these helmets.

“Guardian Caps trap a lot of heat and moisture because they cover the vents of the helmets. With that, plus the already existing heat, it makes you dehydrated and [creates] a dangerous environment while you are playing,” Davis said.
Extreme heat can exuberate dehydration and fatigue for athletes and can put them at risk of heat-induced health issues. To support their athletes, coaches have their players take breaks often and drink water to stay hydrated.
“The turf is hot and they are wearing gear. We have to make sure to give them breaks in 15-minute intervals,” said Talley.
Coaches also offer a water horse (a hydration system), where athletes can spray themselves to cool off or refill their water bottles. Hydration is key for an athlete’s success as it is essential to stay healthy and prevent injuries.
“[Coaches] are also telling them before practice to drink water. When you get home, drink water. A lot of kids forget because they are so busy during the day that they don’t drink water,” Alvarado said.
When looking at the bigger picture, safety and awareness have come a long way in football.

“In the 90s, we hit, we hit, we hit. The times have changed. If you go further back, head injuries weren’t talked about, regular injuries weren’t talked about. [The mentality was], throw some dirt on it and go back. Over the years we have evolved in sports at all levels around injuries and safety. It has gotten a whole lot better in sports, which is great for the kids,” said Talley.
High school sports are continuing to evolve in order to create a healthier environment for all student-athletes. Coaches are prioritizing not only physical health of their players but also their players’ overall wellbeing. Pressure from coaches and teammates can have a toll on an athlete and cause players to play past their limit. By ensuring that all aspects of an athlete’s health is valued, an athlete can feel more comfortable in an often stressful environment. When an athlete feels respected and safe, they are set on a trajectory for long term success.