TAPPS COLD WEATHER STATEMENT

TAPPS deems the health and safety of all stakeholders paramount in participation in extracurricular activities. Temperature safety demands the attention of each participant to provide the safest environment possible during practice and contests. 

TAPPS provides information from several sources to educate all stakeholders in reference to exposure to extreme cold during workouts and contests. The successful navigation of the exposure relies on all stakeholders; school administrators, coaches, athletic trainers, student athletes and parents. Awareness of potential distress is a key element to successful participation. 

TAPPS developed the health and safety pages to assist in the education of all stakeholders relying on best practices and our partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). 

TAPPS GUIDELINES (Website and Section 138)
Schools shall monitor temperature conditions prior to and during contests. While temperature prediction is an inexact science, plans should begin in the hours prior to the contest start time. If the predicted temperature for the contest or chill factor at the start of play reaches 32 degrees or lower, cold temperature policies should be enacted. The home team shall be responsible for monitoring conditions. Each school shall develop policies regarding outdoor practice and participation in keeping with NATA recommendations. Interscholastic competitions, scrimmages or games, should not be played if the ambient temperature is 32 degrees or lower. Chill factor may also be considered when making contest decisions.