Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Baseball and Youth Softball
The J has implemented the following guidelines to deal with extreme heat at all youth baseball/softball games and practices. It is designed to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat.
The two values that The J will take into account when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity. The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We will rely on the heat index reading that is updated hourly by the National Weather Service at the Olathe Executive Airport.
The J has defined five heat index zones. These zones are based on recommended guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme heat.
PLEASE NOTE - The heat index will NOT be decided until 10 minutes prior to the start of your game. Coaches will be notified by J staff if any modifications as explained below are to be in effect.
White Zone
Heat index of 65-80 degrees. In this range, the participant is in very little danger from heat and no special measures will be required to be taken.
Yellow Zone
Heat index of 81-98 degrees. In this range, coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices.
Orange Zone
Heat index of 99-105 degrees. In this range, The J will implement the following at games: all measures taken in the Yellow Zone and catchers will be allowed to catch only two innings in succession. Coaches are instructed to remind players to stay hydrated throughout the game. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to keep players well hydrated and to take frequent breaks.
Red Zone
Heat index ranging of 106 to 110 degrees. In this range, J will implement the following for games: all measures taken in the Yellow and Orange Zones; and the length of games will be modified according to the schedule below.
• Softball grades K-8 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades K-6 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades 7-10 – games will be reduced by 20 minutes
If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice to no longer that 75 minutes for those 6th grade and younger and to no longer than 90 minutes for those 7th grade and older, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated by having them drink water.
Black Zone
Heat index above 110. In this range, The J will cancel all games and practices until the heat index returns to 110 or below. Notification will be given through the rainout line, The J Youth Sports Website and by staff at the sports complex.
Note - During the course of the day, the heat index will rise and fall depending upon the time of day, amount of wind, cloud cover, etc. The above program modifications could also change throughout the course of the day, especially on a weekend. For example, a 1pm game on Saturday could be played under the Orange Zone guidelines and a 4pm game could be played under Red Zone guidelines. Coaches and parents will be informed of the appropriate zone of play at the game fields.
The above are merely guidelines and it is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in J events when heat may be a factor, taking into consideration the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration.