South Carolina's thresholds will look familiar if you have read the Georgia policy, because they derive from the same chart. What makes the SCHSL guidelines worth reading separately is the procedural detail around them, and in particular one rule that closes the gap most heat policies leave open.
That rule is the 15-minute ratchet: once a reading has held in a range for 15 minutes, the restrictions for that range are locked in and cannot be lowered again during that practice. It removes the argument that the number dipped for a moment, so the pads can go back on.
SCHSL WBGT thresholds
- Normal activities.
- At least three separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 3 minutes each.
- Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk players carefully.
- At least three separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 minutes each.
- Maximum practice time two hours.
- Football: players restricted to helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.
- All protective equipment removed for conditioning activities.
- All sports: at least four separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 minutes each.
- Maximum practice length one hour. No protective equipment, no conditioning.
- 20 minutes of rest breaks during the hour.
- High intensity competitions where breaks are not possible, such as cross country meets, should be delayed until below 90°F or cancelled.
- No outdoor workouts. Cancel exercise.
- Delay practice until a cooler reading occurs.
The measurement rules
- Readings are taken directly on the playing surface, 30 minutes before activity and every 30 minutes after.
- Once a reading has held in a range for 15 minutes, the restrictions for that range apply and cannot be lowered to a lower range.
- If the reading climbs into a higher range and holds there 15 minutes, the stricter restrictions apply, and time already elapsed does not count cumulatively toward the new category's limits.
- Devices must be recalibrated every two years, or sooner if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Students must have unrestricted access to water at all times. No athlete should ever be denied water.
- Rest breaks must involve unlimited hydration and actual rest, not continued drills.
Required equipment and contest rules
All schools are required to have three things in place as primary prevention: a scientifically approved on-site WBGT thermometer, a cold immersion tub or other effective cooling device, and a venue-specific emergency action plan. All outdoor activities must have immediate access to cold immersion from 82°F WBGT upward.
For competitions, football players should remove helmets and shoulder pads during warmups above 87°F. If the reading is above 87.0 and below 92.1 at kickoff, there is a mandatory three-minute hydration break at the halfway point of each quarter, with helmets off and unlimited water. In all sports, above 92.1°F the competition is postponed until the reading drops.
This policy requires an on-site WBGT instrument. A phone app does not satisfy it, and the WBGT app should not be used as the compliance reading here. Use it to plan the week, check conditions before you travel, and sanity-check a device you suspect is reading wrong. The SCHSL guidelines state directly that phone apps are not scientifically approved at this time, and that local weather updates and weather apps should not be relied on because they do not give an accurate reading for your specific venue.
Warning signs of heat illness
Heat stress shows up before it becomes an emergency. Anyone on site should speak up immediately on any of these:
When in doubt, cool first and call for help. Collapse or confusion in the heat should be treated as possible exertional heat stroke: begin cold-water immersion immediately and call 911. Cooling comes before transport.
For the planning the device cannot do
South Carolina wants the thermometer on the playing surface, and that is the right call for the compliance reading. Use the app for the other half of the job: the 14-day forecast that decides which sessions get scheduled when.
- Real-time WBGT for your location or any city
- Hourly and 14-day WBGT forecasts to plan ahead
- Color-coded flag levels with mode-specific guidance
- Humidity, wind, sun and cloud cover behind every reading
WBGT is estimated from weather data with the peer-reviewed Liljegren model. Where a policy requires on-site measurement, use the app for planning and as a cross-check alongside your instrument.
Common questions
What is the SCHSL 15-minute rule?
Once a WBGT reading has stayed in a range for 15 minutes, the practice restrictions for that range are in place and cannot be lowered to a lower range. If the reading rises into a higher range and holds 15 minutes, the stricter restrictions apply instead.
Does SCHSL allow phone apps for WBGT?
No. The SCHSL guidelines state that phone apps are not scientifically approved at this time, and that local weather updates and weather apps should not be relied on because they do not give an accurate reading for your specific venue. A scientifically approved on-site WBGT thermometer is required.
What WBGT stops practice in South Carolina?
At 92.1°F and above, practices and competitions are suspended or postponed. Between 90.0 and 92.0°F, practice is capped at one hour with no protective equipment, no conditioning and 20 minutes of rest breaks.
How often must a WBGT device be recalibrated in South Carolina?
Every two years, or earlier if the manufacturer recommends it. This is one of the few state policies that specifies a recalibration interval.
What are the South Carolina football game heat rules?
Above 87°F WBGT, players remove helmets and shoulder pads during warmups. If the reading is above 87.0 and below 92.1 at kickoff, a mandatory three-minute hydration break is taken at the halfway point of each quarter, with helmets off and unlimited water.
Related WBGT guides
Know the real heat number
Real-time WBGT, flag levels and forecasts. Free on iPhone.
