Hilbert College Athletics

Wind Chill temperature Calculation Chart/Formulas      (see below for text information)
 

Hilbert College Cold Weather Policy - Practice & Competition
 
A. The cold weather policy is applicable to all home events, including practices and conference/non-conference scrimmages and competitions.
B. The wind chill temperature guidelines which are listed below should be used to determine playability. For practice and competition, conditions should constantly be evaluated for change in risk. If conditions worsen during competitions, the on-site
administrator and athletic trainer, in conjunction with the game officials, will decide if the competition should continue, be postponed or suspended. The below chart and/or formula can be used to calculate wind chill temperatures. In the absence of a weather meter, Accuweather “RealFeel” is another valuable source for determining safe playing temperatures.

***All temperatures are measured in Fahrenheit   

Competition/Practice Modifications

Risk	Wind Chill Temperature	Modifications
Low Risk	degrees and above	- Participation in all outdoor activities is allowed with appropriate clothing by all participants. -  Pay certain attention to wet conditions since transfer of body heat is much greater in water. Hypothermia can occur in wet conditions when the temperature is above 30 degrees -  Increase caloric intake since cold exposure requires more energy from the body. -  Increase fluid intake since cold suppresses the thirst reflex.
Moderate Risk	29 degrees to 25 degrees	- Additional protective clothing should be worn by all participants - Provide warming facility - Lacrosse, Soccer, and golf must move inside after 45-60 minutes of play for 10 minutes for warmth. - Baseball and softball teams must move inside for 20 minutes between games of a doubleheader or 45-60 minutes of practice.
High Risk	25 degrees to 16 degrees	- Participation outdoors is permitted for 2 sessions of 45-60 minutes for Soccer, Cross Country, Lacrosse, and Football as low as 16 degrees No outdoor activities 15 degrees or below.   - 10 minute warming period must be provided in between each session. - Abbreviated introductions are advised during contests - Multiple layers of additional protective clothing should be worn by individuals - Bench players should be provided coats to add extra layers of warmth
Extreme risk	15 degrees or below	- Termination of all outdoor activities

C. Guidelines for appropriate clothing during exposure to cold temperatures
    1. Wear several layers of clothing around the core of the body and try to stay dry.
        a. The first layer should wick moisture away from the upper and lower body. Polypropylene (ColdGear compression garment) and wool garments are recommended, while
             cotton should be avoided since it retains moisture.
        b. Additional layers of lightweight fleece or wool should be added for extra protection of the upper and lower body.
        c. The outer layer should be wind and water resistant/proof and protect the upper and lower body.
    2. Moisture wicking socks should be worn and they should be changed if they become wet.
    3. Covering the head and neck can reduce heat loss by up to 40%:
        a. Wear a hat and face protection.
        b. For sports with helmets, taping ear holes will reduce body heat loss.
 
D. Monitoring athletes for systems of Cold Stress or Injury
    1. Frostnip/Frostbite
        a. Signs and symptoms include loss of sensation, burning/tingling, redness and edema.
        b. Treatment should include slowly rewarming with warm water while avoiding friction and rubbing tissue.
    2. Hypothermia – Core Body Temperature Below 95 degrees
        a. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include decreased heart rate, uncontrolled shivering, loss of finger dexterity, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, clumsiness,
             and loss of consciousness.
        b. Treatment should include removing wet clothes, wrap the person in dry insulated blankets, and get the person to a warm environment. Provide warm beverages and,
             after the core temperature begins to rise, begin warming the extremities while avoiding friction and rubbing tissue.
    3. Chilblains
        a. Signs and symptoms include edema/swelling, red spots, tenderness, itching, burning, and increased skin temperature.
        b. Treatment includes removing wet clothing. Wash and dry area. Elevate and wrap in loose clothing or blankets. Avoid friction over the area.