Afternoon practices in summer heat have been a staple of early-season football and marching bands in Texas for decades, but a recent University Interscholastic League mandate could change how schools approach their preparation process.
The UIL Legislative Council recently released their 2026-2027 Heat Stress & Athletic Participation Required Plan, mandating that all member schools use wet bulb globe temperature guidelines starting Aug. 1.
“Following three years of recommending the use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature guidelines, the UIL Medical Advisory Committee recommended that these protocols become required standards,” according to UILTexas.org. “The recommendation was based upon continuing medical research, accepted national best practices, and ongoing evaluation of heat-related safety measures.”
