How UIL’s New Heat Policy Impacts Katy Schools
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 7, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
The new heat rules that are likely to impact many high schools this fall, won’t have as big of an impact on our schools. Here’s why.
Katy ISD returns to school next week, but many students such as football players, band, cheer, dance and more have already begun their seasons. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) implemented a new heat policy this month that could impact how outdoor practices are held. The District has already been following the guidelines.
This updated protocol requires schools, coaches, and directors to follow the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) rather than the heat index when assessing outdoor conditions before and during practices.
We’ve all heard of the heat index, but the WBGT measures more than the air temperature. It factors in humidity, wind speed and solar radiation to determine the amount of heat stress a person experiences outdoors.
According to UIL, schools must record the WBGT at least 15 minutes before practice starts and then every 30 minutes throughout the outdoor activity.
Based on that reading coaches/directors may need to:
Increase water/rest breaks
Shorten practice times
Limit the equipment athlete’s wear
Delay or cancel outdoor practice
This new policy is in place to protect all students that participate in outdoor practices including band students, cheerleaders, dance teams, etc.
“The health and safety of Katy ISD students is the District's highest priority,” says a representative for Katy ISD. “For years, the District has implemented comprehensive heat safety protocols that meet and exceed state requirements to protect student-athletes.”
Katy ISD is already using WBT readings when keeping students safe and has been for four years.
“Athletic trainers and coaches monitor conditions daily and adjust practice schedules by moving activities indoors, shifting them to cooler times of the day or modifying workouts when necessary,” says a District representative.
According to Katy ISD, all District high school have three athletic trainers and student athletes have unlimited access to water.
Each campus follows emergency action plans that include rapid cooling equipment and procedures to respond to heat-related emergencies.
Katy ISD says that they will continue to work alongside medical professional, athletic trainers and coaches to ensure student health and safety.
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