Lightning Policy

As stated in the Cumberland University Athletics Emergency Action Plan:

The Head Coach is the individual with primary responsibility for providing a safe environment.

Decisions made by the Head Coach will be done in conjunction with the recommendations and input by the Athletic Training staff, Athletics Department, and/or officials.

An unsafe environmental condition should be established by appropriate weather systems (apps, radars, lightning detectors, etc.) and/or when a “flash-to-bang” interval is decreasing and becomes equal to or less than 50 seconds.  Lightning that is within 10 miles requires immediate evacuation from the playing area and is deemed as an unsafe environment.

In the event of an unsafe environmental condition, the following steps should be taken:

• All persons must immediately leave the athletic site and seek safe shelter.
• A safe shelter should be defined as (1) any sturdy building that has metal plumbing or wiring, or both, to electrically ground the structure, and (2) in the absence of a sturdy building as described above, any vehicle with a hard metal roof with the windows rolled up.
• If there is no safe shelter within a reasonable distance, crouch away from tall objects or in a dry ditch.  Crouching with only your feet touching the ground and close together, wrap your arm around your knees and lower your head to minimize your body’s surface area. Do not lie flat!
• If you feel your hair stand on end or your skin tingle or hear crackling noises, immediately crouch as described above.
• Allow 30 minutes to pass after the last sound of thunder before resuming athletic activity.
• Do not use cellular devices unless there is an emergency. People have been known to be struck by lightning while using a land-line telephone.
• Lighting victims do not carry an electrical charge. CPR is safe for the responder and has been shown to be effective in lightning victims.
• The PA announcer (if applicable) shall also provide appropriate warnings for spectators to seek safe shelter.

Mid-South Conference Lightning Policy:

• The host ATC, game officials and game administrators will work together to make the most informed decision as possible regarding lightening.
• If an automated lightening detection system is available, this will take precedent for lightening range determination. If no automated detection system is available, the flash-to-bang method will be used (count the number of seconds until you hear thunder, then divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance in miles).
• Coaches, game officials and game administrators will be warned when lightening is detected within a 15-mile radius.
• Teams will be evacuated to a designated safe area at the 10-mile mark and emergency procedures will be initiated.
• Following evacuation, no one will be permitted back on to the playing field for at least thirty (30) minutes after the last lightening detection within a 15-mile radius. This includes any set-up or maintenance required to resume competition.
• Common alerts for real-time lightening notification*:

HEAT POLICY

Exertional Heat Illness

This statement provides recommendations for Cumberland University athletic trainers and coaches to (1) identify and implement preventive strategies that can reduce heat-related illnesses in sports, (2) characterize factors associated with the early detection of heat illnesses, (3) provide on-site fi rst aid and emergency management of athletes with heat illnesses, (4) determine appropriate return-to-play procedures, (5) understand thermoregulation and physiologic responses to heat, and (6) recognize groups with special concerns related to heat exposure.¹

Condition Sign or Symptom¹

1. Exercise-associated muscle (heat) cramps
2. Dehydration
3. Thirst
4. Sweating
5. Transient muscle cramps
6. Fatigue
7. Heat syncope
8. Dehydration
9. Fatigue
10. Tunnel vision
11. Pale or sweaty skin
12. Decreased pulse rate
13. Dizziness
14. Lightheadedness
15. Fainting
16. Exercise (heat) exhaustion
17. Normal or elevated body-core temperature
18. Dehydration
19. Dizziness
20. Lightheadedness
21. Syncope
22. Headache
23. Nausea
24. Anorexia
25. Diarrhea
26. Decreased urine output
27. Persistent muscle cramps
28. Pallor
29. Profuse sweating
30. Chills
31. Cool, clammy skin
32. Intestinal cramps
33. Urge to defecate
34. Weakness
35. Hyperventilation
36. Exertional heat stroke
37. High body-core temperature (>40oC [104oF])
38. Central Nervous system changes
39. Dizziness
40. Drowsiness

iii. Irrational behavior

1. Confusion
2. Irritability
3. Emotional instability

vii. Hysteria

viii. Apathy

1. Aggressiveness
2. Delirium
3. Disorientation

xii. Staggering

xiii. Seizures

xiv. Loss of consciousness

1. coma
2. Dehydration
3. Weakness
4. Hot and wet or dry skin
5. Tachycardia (100 to 120 beats per minute)
6. Hypotension
7. Hyperventilation
8. Vomiting
9. Exertional hyponatremia
10. Body-core temperature <40oC (104oF)
11. Nausea
12. Vomiting
13. Extremity (hands and feet) swelling
14. Low blood-sodium level
15. Progressive headache
16. Confusion
17. Signifi cant mental compromise
18. Lethargy
19. Altered consciousness
20. Apathy
21. Pulmonary edema
22. Cerebral edema
23. Seizures
24. Coma

PREVENTION CHECKLIST

1. Pre-event preparation

• ____ Am I challenging unsafe rules (eg, ability receives fluids, modify game and practice times)?
• ____ Am I encouraging athletes to drink before the onset of thirst and to be well hydrated at the start of activity?
• ____ Am I familiar with which athletes have a history of heat illness?
• ____ Am I discouraging alcohol, caffeine, and drug use?
• ____ Am I encouraging proper conditioning and acclimatization procedures?

2. Checking hydration status

• ____ Do I know the pre-exercise weight of the athletes (especially those at high risk) with whom I work, particularly during hot and humid conditions?
• ____ Are the athletes familiar with how to assess urine color? Is a urine color chart accessible?
• ____ Do the athletes know their seat rates and, therefore, know how much to drink during exercise?
• ____ Is a refractometer or urine color chart present to provide additional information regarding hydration status in high-risk athletes when baseline body weights are checked?

3. Environment assessment

• ____ Am I regularly checking the wet-bulb globe temperature or temperature and humidity during the day?
• ____ Am I knowledgeable about the risk categories of a heat illness based on the environmental conditions?
• ____ Are alternate plans made in case risky conditions force rescheduling of events or practices?

4. Coaches’ and Athletes’ responsibilities

• ____ Are coaches and athletes educated about the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses?
• ____ Am I double checking to make sure coaches are allowing ample rest and rehydration breaks?
• ____ Are modifications being made to reduce risk in the heat (eg, decrease intensity, change practice times, allow more frequent breaks, eliminate double sessions, reduce or change equipment or clothing requirements, etc)?
• ____ Are rapid weight-loss practices in weight-class sports adamantly disallowed?

5. Event management

• ____ Have I checked to make sure proper amounts of fluids will be available and accessible?
• ____ Are carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks available at events and practices (especially during a twice-a-day practices and those that last longer than 50 to 60 minutes or are extremely intense in nature)?
• ____ Am I aware of the factors that may increase the likelihood of a heat illness?
• ____ Am I promptly rehydrating athletes to pre-exercise weight after an exercise session?
• ____ Are shaded or indoor areas used for practices or breaks when possible to minimize thermal strain?

6. Treatment Considerations

• ____ Am I familiar with the most common early signs and symptoms of heat illness?
• ____ Do I have the proper field equipment and skills to assess a heat illness?
• ____ Is an emergency plan in place in case an immediate evacuation is needed?
• ____ Is a kiddy pool available in situations of high risk to initiate immediate cold-water immersion of heat-stroke patients?
• ____ Are ice bags available for immediate cooling when cold-water immersion is not possible?
• ____ Have shaded, air-conditioned, and cool areas been identified to use when athletes need to cool down, recover, or receive treatment?
• ____ Are fans available to assist evaporation when cooling?
• ____ Am I properly equipped to assess high core temperature (ie, rectal thermometer)?

7. Other situation-specific considerations

Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Risk Chart ¹

HEAT ACCLIMATIZATION RECOMMENDATION

Universal WBGT Index:

Football (5-Day) Acclimatization Period:  

• Includes – freshmen, transfers, and returners
• 1 (3 hour) practice per day
• 1 (1 hour) agility/speed practice – 1 (2 hour) practice per day
• Must provide 3 hours of continuous rest between practices
• Can’t include meetings, weights, testing, walkthroughs, etc.
• Can include meals and medical treatments
• Walkthroughs don’t count towards acclimatization, but they do count towards practice days
• Athletes can’t practice separately
• First (2 days) helmets only
• Third and Fourth day helmets and shoulder pads
• Fifth day and thereafter full pads
• Sunday practice is counted as acclimatization day
• Students who arrive late must undergo (5 day) acclimatization period

Preseason after (5-Day) Acclimatization Period:  

• Full pads can’t be worn consecutive multiple practice days
• No more than (3 hour) practices on 1 practice days
• Must provide 3 hours of continuous rest between practices
• Can’t include meetings, weights, testing, walkthroughs, etc.
• Can include meals and medical treatments
• Walkthroughs aren’t considered on field practices (activities) as long as equipment is not used or worn
• Counts as a day
• Can’t exceed (2 hours) on 1 practice days
• Can’t exceed (1 hour) on 2 practice days
• No more than (5 hours) of on field practice during multiple practice days
• (6 days) prior to first competition must be single practices

NCAA guidelines for preventing heat:

• Obtain athletes’ medical histories of previous heat illnesses.
• Allow a period of seven to ten days for acclimatization.
• Instruct athletes to wear appropriate clothing during the acclimatization period.
• Take regular measurements of the WBGT index.
• Encourage athletes to adequately replace fluids.
• Record body weight of athletes before and after practice.
• Identify susceptible athletes.
• Constantly monitor athletes for signs of heat illness.

Wrestling Weight Management:

• Prohibited Practices
• The use of laxatives, emetics, excessive food and fluid restriction, self-induced vomiting, hot rooms, hot boxes, saunas, and steam rooms is prohibited for any purpose.  The use of diuretics at any time is prohibited by NCAA legislation for all sports.  Regardless or purpose, the use of vapor-impermeable suits (e.g., rubber or rubberized nylon) or any similar devices used solely for dehydration is prohibited.  Artificial means of rehydration (i.e., intravenous hydration) are also prohibited. 
• Practice-Room Temperature
• The wrestling practice facility must be kept at a temperature not to exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of practice.  It is understood that some practice facilities cannot maintain this exact temperature due to physical plant deficiencies.  It is within the spirit of the rule that every effort shall be made to maintain the 80-degree temperature throughout the practice.
• Nutritionist
• To help the athlete maintain proper eating habits while cutting weight.
• Design individual dietary plan for each individual athlete.
• Be available to answer any question concerning weight-management and dietary issues.

Recommendations for fluid replacement:

• Athletes should begin all exercise session well hydrated.
• Establish a hydration protocol for fluid replacement.
• To ensure proper hydration, the athlete should consume seventeen to twenty ounces of water or a sports drink two to three hours before exercise and then seven to ten ounces twenty minutes before exercise.
• Fluid replacement beverages should be easily accessible during activity and should be consumed at a minimal rate seven to ten ounces every ten to twenty minutes.
• During activity, the athlete should consume the maximal amount of fluid that can be tolerated, but not to exceed the amount lost in sweat.
• A cool, flavored beverage at refrigerator temperature is recommended.
• The addition of proper amounts of carbohydrates and electrolytes to a fluid replacement solution is recommended for exercise events that last longer than forty-five to fifty minutes or are intense.
• For vigorous exercise lasting less than one hour, the addition of carbohydrates and electrolytes does enhance physical performance.
• A 6 percent carbohydrate solution appears to be optimal (fourteen grams of carbohydrate per eight-ounce serving).  A concentration greater than 8 percent slows gastric emptying.

Adding a modest amount of sodium (0.3 to 0.7 grams per liter) is acceptable to stimulate thirst and increase fluid intake