The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is taking a decisive stand against soaring temperatures, implementing a rigorous new heat policy designed to safeguard player welfare. The updated protocol, one of the most assertive in professional sports, was immediately put to the test during a recent Orlando Pride training session.
The league's new framework mandates specific actions based on a combination of on-field air temperature and humidity readings, known as Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). This scientific approach moves beyond simple heat measurements to assess the true physiological stress placed on athletes.
Triggers and Mandatory Cooling Breaks
Under the new regulations, official WBGT readings will be taken at pitch level 75 minutes before kick-off and again during halftime. Should these readings reach a predetermined threshold, the protocol is activated.
The most significant change introduces mandatory cooling breaks. If the WBGT exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 Celsius), the referee must halt play for a hydration break at the 30-minute mark of each half. For even more extreme conditions, where the WBGT surpasses 87.8°F (31°C), the match official is empowered to delay kick-off or suspend an ongoing game.
Player Welfare at the Forefront
This policy shift places player health and safety above all else, acknowledging the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The move has been welcomed by players and medical staff, who have long advocated for clearer guidelines in challenging environmental conditions.
The Orlando Pride's experience serves as an early case study for the policy's application, ensuring that the beautiful game does not come at the expense of athlete well-being.
