Rules to keep athletes safe in the Mississippi heat

The Mississippi High School Activities Association has mandated new rules for keeping student-athletes safe in the heat.

The wet-bulb globe temperature method, which has been a recommendation for the past five years, is now mandated across all MHSAA schools.

It works differently than a normal thermometer, considering humidity, wind speed, and average heat index.

Right now, the mandate is only for practice and not for games. MHSAA Executive Director Ricky Neaves said, “I think with the state of athletics, the way it is now in society being like it is now, any measures that we have to bring forward that makes parents feel better about allowing their kids to play does nothing but help sports.”

Neaves says using the WGBT method is going to be extremely beneficial for the safety of children and coaches.

It’s not limited to football practice, either. Other sports, including cross country, cheer, and soccer, are included.