FCPS Athletic Training Program
Extreme Weather Guidelines
The FCPS Athletic Training Program
recognizes the potential dangers of athletic participation
in a variety of weather conditions. FCPS has developed a
number of policies and guidelines designed to promote
awareness regarding activity during a variety of weather
conditions, including heat, air quality, cold and
lightning.
FCPS Heat Guidelines
The FCPS guidelines on heat are
based on a wet bulb temperature (WBT). The WBT reflects the
effectiveness of evaporative cooling. During the athletic
season, the WBT temperature is assessed by the ATCs at each
school. Depending on the WBT, a variety of recommendations
are made to promote athlete safety, including the removal of
athletic equipment, or restricting outdoor participation. In
addition, the FCPS heat guidelines follow the
recommendations of the Council
of Governments when the air quality approaches
dangerous levels.
The National Athletic Trainers
Association (NATA) has produced a scientific position
statement onexertional
heat illness
as well as fluid
replacement. In addition, a
task force was formed in 2003 that produced a
concensus
statement on prevention of Exertional Heat
Illness. For more
information about these guidelines, contact the
FCPS
ATP Administrator .
FCPS Cold Guidelines
The FCPS cold guidelines focus on
athletic activities outside during cold weather. The
guidelines direct coaches and athletes to dress
appropriately for the temperature, and to monitor themselves
for the signs of cold related illnesses such as frostbite
and hypothermia. For more information about these
guidelines, contact the FCPS
ATP Administrator .
FCPS Lightning Policy
The FCPS lightning policy is based
on the National
Athletic Trainers Association Lightning Safety Position
Statement. The FCPS policy
utilizes a "flash-to-bang" count to approximate distance
from an impending thunderstorm. Recommendations for athletic
participation are made based on how far away the storm is.
For more information about these guidelines, contact the
FCPS
ATP Administrator.
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