(I remember these days and often wondered about my sons’ bands practicing in the heat!) By Chelsea Chandler, Fox 13 News | TUPELO, Miss. – A scary scene played out in Tupelo, MS, Wednesday after 11 high school band members collapsed during practice in the extreme heat. It’s raising serious questions about why they were even allowed to rehearse in those conditions. In both Mississippi and Tennessee, football teams must follow strict heat safety rules. If the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which factors heat, humidity, sun angle, and wind, goes above 92 degrees, outdoor football practice is not allowed. Between 90 and 92, football is limited to one hour. No pads, no contact, frequent breaks, and cold immersion tubs must be available.
But for marching bands, those same heat policies are not always enforced. Even though students are outside, in full sun, carrying heavy instruments, and moving constantly, many schools still treat band like an extracurricular activity instead of a sport. That creates a dangerous double standard. Band members are sometimes practicing in heat levels that would force a football team indoors, even though the physical stress can be just as intense.
Part of the confusion comes from how the danger is measured. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is different from the heat index we usually hear. Heat index only measures temperature and humidity in the shade. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature goes farther by factoring in direct sun, wind, and surface heat, making it a more accurate reading for people working hard outdoors.
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Go here to read more about this problem and the heat guidelines:
https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/eleven-band-members-taken-to-hospital-amid-practice-in-mississippi-heat-raising-debate-about-rehearsal/article_6113e7f5-fda8-4a32-9709-cb07ac3fd1cf.html