As the 2026-27 UIL seasons kick off, RISD students are once again hitting the field for practice and games.
The following are precautions that RISD coaches, sponsors, athletic trainers, band directors, and administrators may employ to create the safest possible environment for student athletes and marching bands during periods of excessive heat.
- RISD follows UIL medical advisory board standards that limit the length of practices, mandate waiting periods between practices, and do not allow two-a-day practices on back-to-back days
- Awareness of temperature / heat index
- Stretch inside in A/C and do walk through drills in the A/C
- Start practices early in the morning or in the evening
- Shorten practices
- Provide water in every drill
- Provide water breaks every 15 to 30 minutes
- Extend the length of water breaks
- Have walk through sprinklers on the field
- Practice without helmets when possible
- Practice without shoulder pads when possible
- Have athletic trainers prepared with water bottles and ice towels
- Weigh athletes before and after practice — monitor weight loss
- Provide drinks that replenish electrolytes and nutrients
- If possible find or provide shade
- Shorten or eliminate conditioning at the end of practice
- Coaches and athletic trainers will monitor all athletes during practice
- Cancel outside practice
- Hydration Stations have been set up inside RISD stadiums for spectators
Please click here to view the UIL website regarding heat stress and athletic participation.
Important Information for RISD Varsity Football Fans
As the football season kicks off, extreme heat remains a priority concern. To ensure our fans stay safe and comfortable while supporting our student-athletes, band, drill team, and cheerleaders, we have implemented the following adjustments for varsity football games at all RISD stadiums:
- Adjusted Kickoff Times: When feasible, game start times will be moved back to allow temperatures to cool before competition begins. We will continue monitoring forecasts and communicate any schedule changes promptly.
- Complimentary Water Stations: Free water stations are active on both the home and visitor sides. We have increased staffing to ensure these stations remain fully stocked with fresh water and cups throughout the game.
- Clear Water Bottle Policy: Fans may bring one empty, clear plastic water bottle into the stadium to fill at our water stations. Metal or insulated tumblers (such as Yeti or Stanley cups) and outside food or drinks remain strictly prohibited. Please refer to our district event policies for additional information.
- Express Water Lines: Additional water-only concession lines are now open to speed up service during high-attendance games.
These measures apply specifically to varsity games due to higher crowd volume and concession demand. However, we will monitor conditions across all athletic levels and adjust as needed.
Thank you for your continued support of RISD Athletics. Stay hydrated, and we look forward to seeing you in the stands!
