Heat Illness Prevention Checklist for Coaches and Athletic Staff

Most heat illness is preventable. Programs that plan ahead, ease athletes into the heat and rehearse their emergency response give athletes the best protection. Use this checklist before the season, before each practice and during every hot day. Share it with your staff, and print it for your equipment room.

Before the Season

• Write a heat illness emergency action plan and review it with every coach and staff member
• Assign roles: who monitors athletes, who calls 911, who runs the cooling tub
• Confirm that someone on staff is trained to take a rectal temperature, or that medical help is available on site
• Make sure athletes have completed any required physicals
• Plan a gradual acclimatization schedule for the first one to two weeks
• Educate athletes and parents on the signs of heat illness

Before Each Practice

• Check the weather and heat index, and adjust the practice plan if conditions are dangerous
• Set up cold water, ice and a cooling tub on the field
• Confirm that water is available and easy to reach at all times
• Check that a working phone is with the staff and the address of the field is known
• Ask athletes how they are feeling, including any illness, poor sleep or recent vomiting or diarrhea
• Identify athletes at higher risk, such as those returning from illness or who are new to the program

During Practice

• Build in frequent water and rest breaks in the shade
• Reduce equipment and clothing in hot conditions, especially early in the season
• Watch athletes closely for confusion, stumbling, unusual behavior or collapse
• Never use extra running or conditioning as punishment on hot days
• Never withhold water
• Take every complaint seriously and pull athletes out early when in doubt

If an Athlete Collapses or Seems Confused

• Call 911 immediately
• Begin cooling at once, with whole-body cold water immersion if possible
• Remove helmet, pads and heavy clothing
• Take a rectal temperature if trained staff are available
• Keep cooling until emergency responders take over
• Stay with the athlete and notify the family

Remember the rule: cool first, transport second.

After Practice

• Encourage athletes to rehydrate and rest
• Check in with anyone who struggled during practice
• Note what worked and what did not, and adjust the plan
• Keep records of conditions and any incidents

Why Acclimatization Matters

A body needs time to adapt to heat. Athletes who go from cool weather to full-intensity practice in the heat are at much higher risk. Gradually increasing the length and intensity of practice over the first one to two weeks lets the body adjust. Many of the worst heat tragedies occur early in a season, on the first few hot days.

Make It a Habit

A checklist only works when it is used. Post it where staff will see it, review it at the start of each season, and update it after any close call. Practice the emergency steps just as you practice a play.

Join National Stay Cool Day

On April 8, 2027, National Stay Cool Day invites schools and programs to put these habits into practice together. Learn more with our guides on heat stroke symptoms and cold water immersion, then sign up your program.

This article is educational and does not replace medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.