HEAT -- (LLB Appendix E: Heat Illness Prevention Protection Policy)
- “No games or practice should be held when weather or field conditions are not good...”
- Always be aware that children’s bodies cannot tolerate heat as well as adults (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- In hot weather:
- Provide shaded areas.
- Encourage athletes/coaches to hydrate. Do not share water bottles.
- Take water breaks and sit in the shade.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Always encourage parents to hold their child(ren) out of activity if they are concerned for their safety.
AIR QUALITY
- Check local air quality measurements and follow local health guidelines. Per District 54 policy, practice and games should be cancelled when AQI is 150 or greater.
- For air quality index measurements: www.purpleair.com.
- Always encourage parents to hold their child(ren) out of activity if they are concerned for their safety.
LIGHTNING -- (LLB Appendix A: Lightning Safety Guidelines)
- Have a lightning safety plan at league level to avoid errors in judgement.
- Designate a “lightning monitor,” a person at the field who is not a coach, manager or umpire, who can follow the lightning plan guidelines.
- Criteria that may be used to halt activities:
- Lightning is observed.
- Thunder is heard (usually means the storm is within 10 miles).
- Time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less (indicates storm is less than 6 miles away).
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the storm before resuming activities.
- If someone is struck by lightning, medical attention is usually needed immediately. Call 9-1-1. Provide CPR. If possible, move the person to a safer place to decrease risk of exposure to lightning.