Kids Sports Air Quality Guide

Why Children Are More Vulnerable

• Higher breathing rate: Children breathe 50% more air per pound of body weight
• Developing lungs: Airways still growing and more susceptible to damage
• More time outdoors: Children spend more time in outdoor activities
• Mouth breathing: During sports, bypass nose's natural filtration
• Lower to ground: Closer to vehicle exhaust and ground-level pollutants

Age-Specific AQI Thresholds

Sport-Specific Intensity Guidelines

High-Intensity Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, Hockey)

• AQI 0-75: Full practice and games
• AQI 76-100: Reduce practice time by 20%, more substitutions
• AQI 101-125: Light practice only, no competitive games
• AQI 126+: Cancel or move to indoor facility

Moderate-Intensity Sports (Baseball, Softball, Tennis)

• AQI 0-100: Normal activity
• AQI 101-150: Reduce running drills, increase rest between activities
• AQI 151+: Cancel outdoor practice

Lower-Intensity Sports (Golf, Archery, Track Field Events)

• AQI 0-100: Safe for most athletes
• AQI 101-150: Monitor for symptoms, allow breaks
• AQI 151+: Avoid outdoor activity

Endurance Sports (Cross Country, Distance Track)

• AQI 0-75: Normal training
• AQI 76-100: Reduce intensity and duration
• AQI 101+: Cancel outdoor training
• Most vulnerable due to sustained heavy breathing

Practice and Game Modifications

When AQI is 76-100 (Moderate)

• Reduce practice duration by 15-20%
• Increase water break frequency to every 15 minutes
• Lower intensity of conditioning drills
• Allow athletes to sit out without penalty
• Watch for coughing, wheezing, or unusual fatigue

When AQI is 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)

• Cut practice time in half
• Focus on skill work, not conditioning
• No sprints or high-intensity drills
• Mandatory breaks every 10 minutes
• Athletes with asthma should not participate
• Consider rescheduling games

When AQI is 151+ (Unhealthy)

• Cancel all outdoor activities
• Move to indoor facilities if available
• No make-up practice - prioritize health
• Communicate with parents about cancellation

Mask Recommendations for Youth Sports

General Guidance

• Not recommended during active play: Breathing restriction and overheating risk
• OK for sidelines: Athletes waiting their turn can wear masks
• Before/after practice: Use when walking to/from field in poor air quality
• AQI 101-150: If sport continues, masks make activity more dangerous, not safer

Better Solution Than Masks

Instead of having children wear masks during sports, modify or cancel activities when AQI is elevated. Masks during vigorous exercise are not safe for children.

Alternative Indoor Options

Indoor Facilities

• Gyms and recreation centers: Basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer
• Indoor tracks: Running and walking
• Swim facilities: Swimming practice
• Community centers: Various sports programs

Modified Activities

• Film study: Review game footage instead of practice
• Classroom sessions: Strategy, plays, and team building
• Light strength training: Indoor bodyweight exercises
• Skill work: Individual ball handling, shooting practice indoors

Best Times for Youth Sports

After School (3 PM - 6 PM)

Typical practice time but often worst AQI: Ozone peaks in afternoon. Check AQI and consider moving practice earlier or later when possible.

Early Morning (7 AM - 9 AM)

Best air quality: Lowest AQI. Consider before-school practice when air quality forecasts are poor for afternoon.

Evening (6:30 PM - 8 PM)

Second best option: Ozone levels dropping. Better than afternoon but requires adequate lighting for safety.

Best Cities for Youth Sports

Excellent Year-Round (Average AQI Below 35)

• Honolulu, HI - Consistent clean air
• Portland, ME - Atlantic air quality
• Burlington, VT - Mountain air
• Santa Barbara, CA - Coastal location

Generally Good (Average AQI 35-50)

• Seattle, WA - Pacific Northwest air
• San Diego, CA - Coastal breezes
• Minneapolis, MN - Generally clean
• Raleigh, NC - Good air flow

Seasonal Challenges (Average AQI 50-75)

• Los Angeles, CA - Summer ozone concerns
• Phoenix, AZ - Summer heat and dust
• Atlanta, GA - Summer humidity and ozone
• Denver, CO - Winter inversions

Health Risk by Sport Intensity

Low Intensity (Walking, Casual Play)

• Minimal risk up to AQI 100 for healthy children
• 2-3x normal breathing rate
• Safe with monitoring up to AQI 150 for short periods

Moderate Intensity (Baseball, Softball Practice)

• Safe up to AQI 100
• 3-4x normal breathing rate
• Caution above AQI 100, avoid above 150

High Intensity (Soccer, Basketball Games)

• Safe only below AQI 75 for full intensity
• 5-6x normal breathing rate
• Significant pollutant exposure above AQI 100

Coach and Parent Safety Checklist

Special Considerations

Athletes with Asthma

• Should not participate when AQI exceeds 100
• Must have rescue inhaler immediately accessible
• Use preventive inhaler 15 minutes before activity when AQI is 51-100
• Coach should know location of inhaler and emergency protocol
• Parents should inform coaches of asthma action plan

Competitive Games and Tournaments

• Game officials should monitor AQI and have cancellation policy
• Running clock or shortened periods when AQI is 76-100
• More frequent substitutions to reduce individual exposure
• Parents should know they can pull child from game if concerned

School Physical Education Classes

• Schools should have AQI policy for outdoor PE
• Indoor activities when AQI exceeds 100
• Modified outdoor activities for AQI 76-100
• Students with health conditions exempt from outdoor activity when AQI is elevated