Cold Weather Guidelines
Shippensburg University Athletics operates under the following guidelines as outlined in the 2008 NATA position statement and the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. These guidelines should be utilized in planning activity dependent on the wind-chill temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation. The
wind-chill temperature can be found at
weather.com under
“feels like” or at
noaa.gov.
| Wind - Chill Temperature |
Guidelines |
| 30°F - 25°F |
*Be aware of the potential for cold injury
*Notify appropriate personnel |
| 25°F - 15°F |
*Cover as much exposed skin as practical
*Provide opportunities and facilities for rewarming
(Indoor warmup required for 15 min after 1 hour of outdoor activity) |
| 15°F - 0°F |
*Consider modifying activity to limit exposure
*Allow more frequent opportunities to rewarm
(Indoor warmup required for 15 min after 30 minutes of outdoor activity) |
| <>°F |
*Consider terminating or rescheduling activity
(NO outdoor activity permitted) |
Cold Weather Suggestions
Prior to Practice or Competition:
- Ensure that all participants (student-athletes, coaches, etc.) are educated in proper prevention and recognize the signs and symptoms of cold injury.
- Identify participants or conditions that place a member at a greater risk of cold injury. Risk factors include the following: predisposing medical conditions, physiological factors, mechanical factors, environmental conditions.
- NEVER practice or train alone.
- Emphasize the importance of dressing appropriately (in layers and stay dry). Encourage appropriate equipment and clothing choices (begin with a wicking fabric, add lightweight pile or wool layers, add a wind-blocking layer).
- Encourage proper nutrition and hydration (maintain energy levels via the use of meals, energy snacks and sports drinks: stay hydrated as dehydration affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature).
- Warm up thoroughly and keep warm throughout practice or competition.
During Practice or Competition:
- Coordinate a schedule of rewarming or clothing changes as needed.
- Identify possible activity modifications as conditions change.
References:
NATA Environmental Cold Injuries
