The VISAA Cold Weather Guidelines provide participation recommendations based on wind chill which is a combination of temperature (°F) and wind speed (MPH). The National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Advisory when the wind chill could be life-threatening if action is not taken. In Virginia, a Wind Chill Advisory is issued when wind chills of -5°F to -19°F are expected east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and when wind chills of -10°F to -24°F are expected along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Warning when the wind chill is life threatening. In Virginia a Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chills of -20°F or lower are expected east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and when wind chills of -25°F or lower are expected along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The VISAA SMAC has included guidelines below for practices and competition during environmental conditions that are extreme.
The following guidelines, as outlined in the 2008 NATA position statement, can be used in planning activity depending on the wind-chill temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation:
• 30 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel of the potential.
• 25 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Provide additional protective clothing; cover as much exposed skin as practical; provide opportunities and facilities for re-warming.
• 15 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to re-warm.
• 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity.
When the wind chill temperature is at 30 degrees Fahrenheit or below rules/regulations regarding undergarments should be waived.
VISAA Extreme Weather Guidelines