Texas UIL WBGT Rules

Starting 2026-08-01, WBGT-based activity modification is a required standard for all UIL outdoor athletic activities — and marching band. Here is the policy in plain terms, with every number taken from UIL's published chart.

Class 2 vs Class 3

UIL assigns each region of Texas to a WBGT class on its regional map; hotter regions get higher (more permissive) thresholds because athletes there are more heat-acclimatized. Check the UIL map and select your class — when in doubt, use the stricter Class 2 thresholds.

Activity guidelines by WBGT (°F)

Class 2

WBGT (°F)Required modifications
GREEN <79.7
  • Normal activities.
  • At least 3 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 3 min each.
YELLOW 79.7 - 84.6
  • Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise; watch at-risk participants closely.
  • At least 3 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 min each.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
ORANGE 84.7 - 87.6
  • Maximum practice time: 120 min.
  • At least 4 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 min each.
  • Football: helmet, shoulder pads and shorts only.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
RED 87.7 - 89.7
  • Maximum practice time: 60 min.
  • At least 20 min of rest breaks distributed through each hour.
  • Football: no protective equipment.
  • No conditioning activities.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
BLACK ≥89.8
  • No outdoor workouts. Delay practice until a cooler WBGT is reached.

Class 3

WBGT (°F)Required modifications
GREEN < 82.0
  • Normal activities.
  • At least 3 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 3 min each.
YELLOW 82.0 - 86.9
  • Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise; watch at-risk participants closely.
  • At least 3 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 min each.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
ORANGE 87.0 - 90.0
  • Maximum practice time: 120 min.
  • At least 4 separate rest breaks each hour, minimum 4 min each.
  • Football: helmet, shoulder pads and shorts only.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
RED 90.1 - 92.0
  • Maximum practice time: 60 min.
  • At least 20 min of rest breaks distributed through each hour.
  • Football: no protective equipment.
  • No conditioning activities.
  • Mandatory on-site rapid cooling zone (tub or tarp).
BLACK ≥92.1
  • No outdoor workouts. Delay practice until a cooler WBGT is reached.

Measurement rules

UIL: read WBGT within 15 min before practice, then every 30 min during.

UIL accepts internet-based readings: the plan permits a scientifically approved WBGT instrument "or other scientifically proven method, such as an internet-based weather station software or application." That makes forecast tools legitimate planning aids in Texas — but the reading that governs is the one taken at practice time.

The activity chart governs practices. For competitions, a rapid cooling zone must still be on site and available at all times above threshold temperatures.

Marching band is covered: the UIL requirement applies to outdoor rehearsals, not just athletics.

All thresholds and modification text above derive from the UIL Heat Stress & Athletic Participation plan and its WBGT Activity Guidelines chart, cross-checked on 2026-08-09. UIL Heat Stress & Athletic Participation (2026-27 WBGT Activity Guidelines chart)