When One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Regional Adaptation of WBGT Monitoring for School Athletics
Abstract:
Despite growing awareness of exertional heat illness (EHI) risks, state-level adoption and implementation of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) policies for high school athletics remain inconsistent. While organizations like CIF (California), GHSAA (Georgia), and VHSL (Virginia) have rolled out mandates, variations in climate, resource availability, and enforcement have led to differing outcomes. This review explores the clinical and operational impact of WBGT policy adoption, highlights disparities in execution—especially in geographies with significant microclimate variability—and identifies best practices to guide future state-level implementations.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate policies and procedures to determine the effectiveness of heat safety interventions.
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to develop or modify environmental monitoring protocols for secondary school settings.
- Analyze the practicality and feasibility of implementing heat safety protocols in diverse environmental and institutional settings.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A
Keywords:
wbgt; ehi; activity guidelines
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Andrew Grundstein, PhD
Andrew Grundstein is a professor of Geography and a member of the Atmospheric Sciences program at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on interactions between climate and human health, with particular emphasis on heat exposure and its impacts on athletes, workers, and children.
Dr. Grundstein has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles in leading scientific journals, and his work has been supported by grants from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Biometeorology and on science and medical advisory boards, including the Korey Stringer Institute and the National Heat Safety Coalition, and has previously served on the International Olympic Committee Adverse Weather Impact Expert Working Group for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the Medical Advisory Committee for the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Doha, Qatar.
