Beginning August 1, 2026, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will implement mandatory statewide heat‑safety protocols for all outdoor athletic and marching band activities. The new requirements center on the use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings, which will now serve as the official standard for monitoring environmental conditions and determining activity modifications. UIL first approved WBGT as a recommended measure in 2023. After two years of successful statewide use, the Medical Advisory Committee advised the Legislative Council to adopt the protocols as required policy for the 2026–2027 school year.
WBGT provides a scientifically grounded assessment of heat stress by combining temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. The American College of Sports Medicine endorses WBGT‑based guidelines that outline adjustments to practice scheduling, work‑to‑rest ratios, hydration breaks, equipment worn, and practice termination thresholds. UIL member schools must now follow these guidelines and modify activities in accordance with the WBGT Activity Chart, ensuring consistent, evidence‑based protection for student‑athletes and marching band participants. Schools may use on‑site WBGT instruments or validated internet‑based applications, such as the WBGT Forecasting Resource, and readings must be taken within 15 minutes before practice and monitored every 30 minutes throughout the session.
The updated plan also strengthens emergency preparedness. Every school must maintain a rapid cooling zone equipped for full‑body cold‑water immersion when WBGT reaches 79.7°F in Class 2 or 82°F in Class 3. These zones must be available at all outdoor practices, workouts, conditioning sessions, and contests, and must meet those thresholds. UIL encourages schools to include shade structures, cooling fans, ice towels, and trained personnel capable of administering cold‑water immersion. Emergency Action Plans must clearly outline heat‑illness procedures and ensure unrestricted access to water and rest breaks without activity.
While WBGT practice limitations do not apply to UIL competitions, schools are encouraged to monitor conditions and consider responsible adjustments such as additional hydration timeouts, modified start times, shaded sideline areas, extended halftimes, and access to indoor spaces for teams awaiting warm‑ups. Sub‑varsity contests may also shorten quarters when mutually agreed upon. These recommendations support safer participation during periods of elevated heat stress and help schools respond proactively to changing environmental conditions.
UIL’s adoption of mandatory WBGT protocols reflects a statewide commitment to student safety amid rising temperatures and increased heat‑related risks. The new standards establish uniform expectations for all districts, ensuring that every outdoor athletic and marching band program operates with scientifically supported heat‑illness prevention measures in place.
