Weather Restrictions
The following is the policy adopted by the NEFL Competition Committee for the safety of all NEFL participants. Each
coach is required to follow the guidelines.
Heat Index
Under 95 degrees Heat Index
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Water should always be available and athletes are able to take in as much water as they desire.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
95 degrees to 99 degrees Heat Index
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Water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration to allow hydration as a group
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
100 degrees (above 99 degrees) to 104 degrees Heat Index
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Water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration to allow for hydration as a
group and required cool down time.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
Helmets and other equipment should be removed when athlete not directly involved with
competition, drill or practice and it is not otherwise required
Maximum of 30 minutes in full pads with a 10 minute water break after 15 minutes
Rest of practice should be shorts, t-shirts and helmet with mandatory water breaks.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action
Have towels with ice for cooling of athletes as needed
Above 104 degrees Heat Index
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Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play
Lightning
Activities will be suspended at the first sight of lightning. Everyone should go to their cars until an all clear signal is given
by the Board for activities to resume. Minimum wait time is 30 minutes from the last observed lightning activity.
Rain
All activities will continue in light to moderate rain fall. Activities will stop when the rain is heavy enough that continued
activity will damage the fields. Everyone should take cover until it can be determined activity will be able to resume.
Official Document of the NEFL
All documents will be reviewed by the safety director yearly
Created by: SD- NEFL- 2012 v. 1.0
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Children
When our environment gets too hot and humid, it's harder for our body to get rid of this heat by sweating. If the air is hotter than the
skin (around 98 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius), or we are exposed to direct sunlight, the body will absorb more heat. If it's
extremely humid outside, the heat doesn't evaporate from our skin very well when we sweat. All of these things, combined with
dehydration, can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Risks of Heat for Kids
Kids are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke because their bodies don't regulate their own temperature as well as
adults' bodies do. At the same time, they are more likely to spend a lot of time outside, whether it's playing with friends or
participating in sports. Because kids don't have as much self-control or caution as adults, they often don't know when it's time to take a
break, get a drink or come inside.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration & loss of salt in the body due to excessive sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion are:
• Slightly increased temperature (not above 104 degrees)
• Profuse sweating
• Pale skin that's cool and damp to the touch
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness, weakness or fainting
• Muscle cramps
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
If you think your child is experiencing heat exhaustion, move him to a cool area right away and lie him down, remove any extra
clothing (especially sports equipment) and apply cool water to his skin. Get him to drink chilled water if he's not nauseated. If he does
not improve in an hour, or if he seems confused or disoriented or is acting strangely, take him to a hospital immediately.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to organ damage and death. It's caused when the body creates more heat than it can
release. Signs of heat stroke are:
• Temperature above 104 degrees
• Hallucinations
• Trance-like or irrational behavior
• Seizure
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Headache
• Absence of sweating (dry skin)
• Dizziness or weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
Treatment for Heat Stroke
If you think your child is experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 immediately, remove her clothing and cool her body by putting her in a
cool bath or applying ice to her skin, monitor her temperature, and do not give her anything to drink.
Official Document of the NEFL
All documents will be reviewed by the safety director yearly
Created by: SD- NEFL- 2012 v. 1.0