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2026 BROADCAST REFERENCE

Find the rule before the next snap.

Search plain-language game, safety, participation, uniform and playoff guidance. Every answer carries its controlling source and rule reference.

CURRENT DESK2026-27Reviewed Oct. 11, 2026
REFERENCE CARDS

Weather & Safety

5 answers

Weather & Safety

WBGT Heat Actions

90.0+: practices stop
ON-AIR READ

At a WBGT of 90 or above, all practices are suspended. A contest may continue only with mandatory breaks directed by the gameday administrator.

Rule detail
  • Below 80: 5-minute water/rest break every 30 minutes.
  • 80-84.9: 5 minutes every 25 minutes. Closely monitor new, unconditioned or heavily exerting athletes.
  • 85-87.9: 5 minutes every 20 minutes, reduce intensity and clothing for at-risk athletes, and have cold-water immersion available for practice.
  • 88-89.9: constant observation, remove pads/equipment, 5 minutes every 15 minutes, and have cold-water immersion available for practice.
  • WBGT should be checked every hour beginning 30 minutes before practice. Water must never be withheld.
Weather & Safety

Lightning / Thunder Delay

Every new sighting or thunder resets 30:00
ON-AIR READ

When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, play stops immediately. The 30-minute return clock begins after the last thunder or visible lightning.

Rule detail
  • Move everyone to the pre-designated safer location immediately.
  • Any later thunder or lightning restarts a full 30-minute waiting period.
  • A strike detected within 10 miles may help support a suspension decision, but hearing thunder or seeing lightning takes priority over an app or detector.
  • At night, distant low-horizon flashes without thunder may require independently verified detection information to resolve uncertainty.
Weather & Safety

Suspected Exertional Heat Stroke

Cool first, transport second
ON-AIR READ

Confusion, collapse, stumbling or major behavior change in the heat is an emergency: stop activity, begin rapid cooling and activate EMS.

Rule detail
  • Remove equipment and excess clothing immediately.
  • Cold-water immersion is the preferred rapid-cooling method when available; trained medical staff direct treatment and monitoring.
  • The handbook’s treatment principle is “Cool First, Transport Second.”
Weather & Safety

Suspected Concussion

No same-day return
ON-AIR READ

A student showing signs or symptoms consistent with concussion must leave the activity and may not return to play or practice that day.

Rule detail
  • Return on a later day requires evaluation and written clearance from an authorized licensed health-care provider.
  • Before full participation, the athlete must complete the return-to-play protocol and remain symptom-free through its full exertional progression.
  • Coaches, athletes and parents must view the NCHSAA CrashCourse concussion video before participation each season.
Weather & Safety

Football Medical Coverage

LAT or first responder at every practice and game
ON-AIR READ

A licensed athletic trainer or qualified first responder must physically attend every football practice and every home and away game.

Rule detail
  • The local superintendent may excuse the requirement only for an emergency.
  • The person serving in that medical role cannot have simultaneous coaching duties.
  • The gameday administrator, lead official and required medical personnel should review the venue emergency action plan before the contest.