Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Sports
Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Baseball, Softball, Sand Volleyball
Blue Valley Recreation has implemented the following Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Sports. These guidelines address extreme heat at all outdoor youth sports (baseball, softball, and sand volleyball) games and practices. BVRC designed it to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat.
The two values that Blue Valley Rec will take into account when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity. The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We rely on the heat index reading that the National Weather Service updates hourly at the Olathe Executive Airport.
Blue Valley Rec has defined five heat index zones using the guidelines that the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends for participating in sports during extreme heat. Because the heat index doesn’t factor in wind and direct sunlight, staff will add two degrees to the stated heat index on sunny and still days. Likewise, staff will subtract two degrees on cloudy and windy days.
The heat zones below serve only as guidelines. Parents must ultimately decide whether their child should participate in BVRC events when heat may be a factor, considering the child’s age and physical condition. Parents are also responsible for educating their child about the dangers of heat and the importance of protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration.
PLEASE NOTE –
Staff will determine the heat index 30 minutes before your game begins. All games will finish using the same heat index zone in effect at the start of play.
You can see upcoming forecasts from AccuWeather. Make sure to check our Inclement Weather page for cancellations.
Heat Zones
Please note
Staff will decide the heat index 30 minutes before your game begins. Each game will finish under the same heat index zone in effect at the start.
White Zone
65 – 80 Degrees
When the heat index is between 65 and 80 degrees, participants face very little risk from heat, so staff will not take any special measures.
Yellow Zone
81-98 Degrees
When the heat index ranges from 81 to 98 degrees, staff will encourage coaches to take extra steps to protect their players by keeping them hydrated and promoting frequent substitutions during games and practices.
Orange Zone
99-105 Degrees
When the heat index is between 99 and 105 degrees, staff will implement the following measures during games: continue all precautions from the Yellow Zone and allow catchers to play no more than two consecutive innings. On practice days, coaches must keep players well hydrated and schedule frequent breaks.
Red Zone
106-110 Degrees
When the heat index ranges from 106 to 110 degrees, staff will implement all precautions from the Yellow and Orange Zones during games and will adjust game lengths according to the schedule below.
• Softball grades PreK-12 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades PreK-2 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades 3-12 – games will be reduced by 20 minutes
• Sand Volleyball grades 3-12 – all games will be played to 15pts
On practice days, staff will instruct coaches to shorten practice time, schedule frequent breaks, and ensure players stay well hydrated by drinking water.
Black Zone
110+ Degrees
When the heat index rises above 110, staff will cancel all games and practices until it drops to 110 or below. Staff will communicate cancellations through the rainout line, our Inclement Weather page, and in person at the Sports Complex.
Please note: The heat index can fluctuate throughout the day based on factors like time of day, wind, and cloud cover. As a result, staff may adjust program guidelines during the day—especially on weekends. For example, a 1:00 PM game on Saturday may follow Orange Zone guidelines, while a 4:00 PM game could fall under Red Zone protocols.
These heat guidelines also apply to fall baseball. Instructors will adjust other outdoor activities, such as tennis lessons and soccer camps, on site as needed.