UIL Mandatory Heat Safety Mandate Starting August 1, 2026

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: July 24, 2026

Beginning August 1, 2026, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is requiring all Texas member schools to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) instead of the traditional Heat Index to measure heat safety for outdoor athletic practices and marching band activities.

What is WBGT?

Unlike standard heat index models, WBGT measures heat stress on the human body by combining four atmospheric factors:

Air Temperature: How hot the air is.
Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air.
Radiant Heat: Direct thermal radiation from sunlight.
Wind Speed: Air movement that aids sweat evaporation and body cooling.

WBGT Risk Levels and Practice Restrictions

WBGT Reading	Risk Level	Practice Modifications
Below 82.0°F	Safe	Normal practices; mandatory water breaks provided.
82.0°F – 86.9°F	Caution	Rapid cooling area required; extra hydration/rest breaks; close monitoring.
87.0°F – 90.0°F	High Risk	No full pads for football; reduced practice time; at least 4 rest breaks of $\ge 4$ minutes per hour.
90.1°F – 92.0°F	Very High Risk	Practice limited to ~1 hour; increased equipment restrictions; rest and cooling prioritized.
Above 92.1°F	Extreme Risk	No outdoor practice permitted. Practices must move indoors or be canceled.

Note: These guidelines apply specifically to practices. Games and competitions are managed under separate guidelines.

Requirements for Member Schools

Under the new policy, schools must fulfill the following protocols:

Take a baseline WBGT reading 15 minutes prior to any outdoor practice.
Continue taking readings every 30 minutes throughout the duration of practice.
Maintain a written or digital record of all readings.
Adjust or stop practice according to the measured WBGT risk tier.
Provide sufficient water and designated rest breaks.
Have a rapid cooling area prepared when required (e.g., cold-water immersion tub or other approved cooling method).

UIL mandatory heat rules