TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson Unified Intersholastics Director Herman House says during our hot summer months they look at the forecast every day.
When the heat index is forecast to be above 105 degrees, athletic directors and principals make sure changes are made so students and athletes don't get too much exposure to the hot weather.
Elementary and middle schools ran a “rainy day” schedule today with kids spending recess and PE inside once it started to heat up.
High school athletics made some adjustments as well.
Sabino High School held an inside practice running plays in the air conditioning starting at 4 p.m. Tucson High School also had cross country working out inside.
"We'd love to have a full outdoor practice, but we want to make sure our kids are safe," Coach Ryan McBrayer of Sabino High School said. "We are doing right by them, to make sure their bodies are full and functioning come the 30th of August when we have our first game."
House says varsity football can usually push their practice late enough into the evening so that the temperature drops out of the dangerous levels.
"The first game we had last year was an hour and a half of rain and lightning delays so we got to be ready to play with whatever circumstances the weather throws at us," McBrayer said.
Athletic directors can make additional adaptations for the heat including having athletes not wear pads.
