Der „Musterhitzeschutzplan für den organisierten Sport“ des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit – Hintergrund, Aufbau und Inhalte

Both in competitive sports and in recreational and school sports, exposure to high outdoor temperatures often cannot be avoided. In 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health published the "Model Heat Protection Plan for Organized Sport", which aims to protect athletes from heat-related health risks. The plan is aimed at sports clubs, sports associations, and sports facility operators, and is intended to help them use structural preventive measures not only to protect athletes, but also coaches, referees, officials, service staff, and spectators from the health hazards caused by heat. It is designed to ensure that not every club has to develop its own heat protection concept from scratch. This article reports on the development process of the plan and discusses its structure, content, and its place within the existing prevention landscape.Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the heat protection plan includes measures 1) to prepare for summer, 2) to protect during summer, 3) for acute heat waves, and 4) for medium- and long-term adaptation. Preparation should include drawing up process plans and designating responsible persons. Technical and structural measures include installing sunshades and shading substitute benches. During acute heat waves, misting systems can provide cooling. In addition, training and match times can be rescheduled, and extra substitutions and drink breaks may be allowed during competitions. Long-term measures include reorganizing competitions and league operations, and establishing clear cancellation and rescheduling regimes.