WCS Fall Sports & Heat Index

Published July 30, 2009

The beginning of August means the start of fall sports for Williamson County Schools. The district has a rich tradition when it comes to fall athletics, with many teams fighting for state championships.

Because of an increase in heat related illnesses/deaths, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) recently passed a rule requiring schools and coaches to monitor the heat index for the safety of our student-athletes during practice and games.

This requirement will be nothing new for Williamson County Schools. The district was proactive in implementing a policy last year requiring our schools and coaches to monitor the heat index. The policy is nearly identical to the one recently passed by the TSSAA.

If the heat index is measured above 95 degrees, modifications must be made to the practice and/or game schedule. Additional modifications must be made as the heat index rises. Once the heat index is measured above 104 degrees all outside activity regarding practices and/or games must stop.

"The safety of our student-athletes is the number one concern among our coaches and administrators," said WCS Athletic Specialist Ralph Ringstaff.