THE GORGE — For high school athletes, coaches and administrations across the United States, wildfires are a common concern for fall sports, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
As a high school football coach and sports reporter, I know the impact that wildfires can have on fall sports and the start of a school year, and how it may vary depending on where the school is located in the Gorge.
With rapidly changing fire conditions, teams may have to shift from an entirely outdoor practice or competition to an indoor one (or no practice at all), depending on guidelines. School administration and coaches try to find the best option for all sports, while continuing to keep the health and safety of the student-athletes as the utmost priority.
Outdoor sports such as cross country, soccer and football are hurt the most, having to adapt practice plans to the confines of a gym, fieldhouse, or other indoor facilities. Indoor practices for high school sports can throw a massive wrench in the plans for coaches and may significantly impact a team’s ability to hit the field or course with the same level of effectiveness as normal practice conditions.
Guidelines vary state-to-state but remain consistent, as most states shift activity indoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 150 or above. All Gorge schools (both Oregon and Washington) follow those rules.
For the rest of summer and early fall, it will be important for parents, athletes, coaches, administration, and the community to be informed about the air quality in the Gorge and the impact it has on fall sports.
Again, coaches and administration do what they can to help all fall sports compete and share space in the event of poor air quality, but the utmost priority always remains the health and safety of the student-athletes.
Columbia Gorge News will provide updates this fall with AQI readings, as well as any statements and updates from administration in the Gorge area school districts. Local air quality data is available at www.smokereadygorge.org.
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