OK Status – What to Do

Key Points

  • A green OK status means that, based on current heat index, air quality, cold, and weather, outdoor practice is generally reasonable.

  • None of the key risk indicators are in our red or modify zones. Conditions can still change, so coaches should use this as a green light for normal practice with smart safety basics in place.

When you’ll usually see an OK status
You’re most likely to see OK when:
  • Heat index (HI) is below our “Modify” threshold.
  • Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the Good or Moderate range.
  • Wind-chill is above our cold-stress “Modify” range.
  • No thunderstorms are nearby and rain (if any) is light.
Even on an OK day, athletes can struggle with heat, asthma, dehydration, or other health issues—so coaches should still watch athletes closely.
Practice guidelines when status is OK
You can plan normal outdoor practice, with:
Hydration & breaks
  • Build in regular water breaks (every 15–20 minutes in warm weather, more often for younger athletes).
  • Encourage athletes to drink before they feel thirsty.
  • Allow athletes to refill bottles and step to the side briefly if they feel overheated or winded.
Equipment & uniforms
  • Full gear is generally acceptable when conditions are OK.
  • In warmer weather, allow athletes to remove helmets or extra layers during breaks.
  • Check that no one is practicing in dark, heavy clothing that traps heat unnecessarily.
Air quality
  • Remind athletes with asthma or breathing issues to bring inhalers and keep them at the sideline.
  • If anyone reports chest tightness, persistent cough, or unusual shortness of breath, scale back intensity and move them to a rest area.
Cold weather
  • In cooler conditions, remind athletes to bring layers, gloves, and hats as needed.
  • Watch for early signs of discomfort (shivering, numb fingers, very cold hands/feet) and use breaks to warm up.
Light rain or damp fields
  • Light rain without storms and with safe footing can still be OK.
  • Avoid drills that rely on hard cutting or sliding if the surface is slick.
  • If conditions worsen, be ready to move to Modify decisions.
Coach checklist on an OK day
On a green OK day, a coach should be able to say:
  • “We have normal practice planned, with a reasonable mix of drills and conditioning.”
  • “Water breaks are scheduled and athletes can always ask for more water.”
  • “Athletes with asthma or other conditions have their usual medications on hand.”
  • “We’re watching the sky, heat, and air quality in case conditions change.”
When to shift from OK to Modify (or Cancel) on your own
Even if the status is OK, you should start making Modify-type adjustments if:
  • Multiple athletes complain of heat illness symptoms (nausea, dizziness, headache).
  • Several athletes are struggling with breathing or coughing.
  • Wind picks up and temperatures drop enough that athletes look visibly uncomfortable from the cold.
  • Rain begins to make footing slick or unsafe.
Practice-Day Alerts is an advisory tool; it cannot see everything happening on your field. When in doubt, err on the side of safety and move your practice toward Modify decisions.
Reminder: follow your local policy
Our Modify guidance is built from public recommendations by NWS, NATA, NFHS, and EPA/AirNow, but your district or league policy always comes first. If your written policy is stricter, follow that policy.
Practice-Day Alerts is advisory and cannot see every factor on your field. When in doubt, treat a borderline Modify day more like Cancel and move practice indoors or reschedule.
Your Practice-Day Status
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