Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday that could allow athletes who live in hotter parts of the state to practice and play sports in higher temperatures.
Assembly Bill 2503 requires the California Interscholastic Federation, which administers sports programs in secondary schools, to update its guidelines for heat illness prevention annually, taking into consideration the disruption caused by requiring practices to be postponed until late in the evening.
The CIF uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) — a complicated formula that takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover — to measure heat. It usually is lower than the actual temperature, according to an analysis of the legislation.
The CIF divides the state into three regions. In Region 1, which includes most of the coast, games and practices are cancelled if the WBGT is higher than 86.2 degrees. In Region 2, which includes Los Angeles and other parts of the state with moderate temperatures, the WGBT can’t be over 89.9 degrees before games are canceled. In the state’s hottest regions, including the desert regions and the Central Valley, the WGBT limit is 92 degrees.
“High School sports practices have been forced late into the evening or early morning to meet compliance,” said Assemblyman Greg Wallis, R-San Bernardino. “Long days have disrupted family routines, created logistical and transportation issues, led to burn out and fatigue, and negatively impacted student-athlete academic and athletic performance. Living in California’s desert communities presents a unique kind of acclimatization. A one size fits all threshold does not work for my communities.”
This story was originally published by EdSource.