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Stay cool
jack gassaway heat
Jack Gassaway takes a break from the sun during his soccer game Saturday. Experts warn athletes to exercise extreme caution when playing outside when the heat index approaches 100. The index has hovered around 100 for the past few days in Middle Tennessee. Athletes should take regular breaks and make sure to drink plenty of water.

With heat index hitting triple digits, posing a potentially life-threatening situation, everyone is advised to limit their exposure to the heat and to take precautions if you are outside.

Heat indexes were running anywhere between 97 and 103 over the past weekend and early week as the average high temperatures reached the low nineties throughout Middle Tennessee. Heat index is a measure indicating the level of discomfort the average person is thought to experience as a result of the combined effects of the temperature and humidity of the air.

The heat index is something athletes of all ages are urged to consider when they participate in strenuous activities while exposed to the elements. The state of Tennessee’s athletic governing body, the TSSAA actually has one of the most restrictive policies in the nation, setting guidelines about when teams can practice during the heat of summer. Many public and recreational leagues have also adopted TSSAA guidelines.

TSSAA heat limits and activity restriction guidelines require, for a heat index under 95 degrees that ample amounts of water always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they want. Optional water breaks should be observed every 30 minutes for 10 minutes. Towels should be iced down and available for cooling student-athletes. Coaches and trainers are required to watch and monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.

With a heat index of 95 degrees to 99 degrees which was reached this past weekend, the same aforementioned rules are required with an additional requirement. For contact sports and activities with additional equipment-helmets and other possible equipment are to be removed if student-athlete is not involved in contact. Reduce time of outside activity. Coaches are to consider postponing practice to later in the day and to re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased heat index.

Once there is a heat index of 100 degrees to 104 degrees it is strongly suggested that practice be postponed until the index drops. With a heat index above 104 degrees, all outside sports activity is to cease.

Along with the TSSAA guidelines, athletes and all persons practicing or working outside are urged to hydrate and take regular breaks in order to cool down their core temperature.