Heat Safety Guidelines for Student-Athletes
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With the rise in the likelihood of high temperatures during the summer and early fall, New Kent County Public Schools is taking proactive steps to keep student-athletes safe by following the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Heat Guidelines. These guidelines, developed by the VHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), outline best practices for preventing heat-related illnesses and ensuring athletes can safely participate in outdoor practices and competitions.
The document emphasizes gradual heat acclimatization, proper hydration, recognition of early warning signs of heat illness, and environmental monitoring through tools like the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Heat Index. It also outlines specific recommendations for modifying practices and gear based on heat conditions, including when to cancel outdoor activities altogether.
Families are encouraged to review the full VHSL Heat Guidelines to better understand how staff work to ensure player safety in hot and humid conditions. The full PDF can be found on our Athletics webpage in the 2026 Fall Sports Information section.