(WLUK) — Two days of hot and humid weather have school districts in northeastern Wisconsin closely monitoring how the weather will affect outdoor athletics.
It’s been a hot start to the week, and that heat is impacting high school and middle school sports across the region.
“It’s a big concern. We want to ensure the safety of our players and coaches,” Kaukauna activities director Casey Smith said.
The heat and heat index led to the cancellation of all middle school sports and afternoon activities in Kaukauna, as well as a delayed start time for the JV football game.
Waupun also canceled its junior football home game against Appleton East that had been scheduled for Monday afternoon.
According to Doug Disch with the Waupun Area School District, “I’m really concerned about football because of the helmets. Young kids are trying to be tough and push through the discomfort. I want to keep our coaches, our referees and most importantly, our players safe.”
Many districts are tracking the heat index and adjusting game and practice schedules to keep players safe and out of the heat as much as possible.
“The cross country team ran this morning. The tennis team practices in the afternoon but can take a break. The varsity football team practices indoors until 7 o’clock and then will use either the indoor or outdoor facility once the heat index drops,” Smith said.
“Practice times have been shortened and there are more hydration breaks. Practice times have been postponed to avoid the hotter parts of the day – 3:00, 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.,” added Bellin Health athletic trainer Roland Schmidt.
That’s why athletic trainers like Roland Schmidt, aware of how dangerous it can be even for the healthiest athletes, are working with districts to monitor the situation.
“Heat stroke can be fatal. This is a medical emergency that has to be taken very seriously. So don’t be the hero. Don’t be the hero in this situation. Make sure you talk to your coach, tell them you’re not feeling well, tell your athletic trainer you’re not feeling well,” Schmidt said.
Because they have the equipment and the training to help the athletes.