In order to ensure the safety of players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators we have instituted the following weather related policies for all games and practices.
Keep in mind that regardless of our policies, you have the choice to keep your child out of games or practice activities if you choose.
Heat Policy - 10U and Younger
Temperature | Game and Practice Policy |
95°F or lower | Safe |
95°F - 98°F | Referee/Coach will allow for extra water breaks-players must stay on field |
98°F - 100°F | Referee/Coach will allow extra water breaks and decrease every quarter by 3 minutes |
100°F - 102°F | Referee/Coach will allow extra water breaks, decrease quarters by 3 minutes, and allow free substitution |
102°F or higher | Games are canceled |
Heat Policy - 12U and Older
These divisions participate in inter-league play. Games will not be canceled unless both regions agree to cancellation. Extra water breaks, shortened quarters, and substitutions will be determined by the referee. Coaches may ask the referee for clarification and permission.
Practices
Temperature | Game and Practice Policy |
---|
95°F or lower | Safe |
95°F - 98°F | Coach will allow for extra water breaks-players must stay on field |
98°F - 100°F | Coach will allow extra water breaks and decrease every quarter by 3 minutes |
100°F - 102°F | Coach will allow extra water breaks, decrease quarters by 3 minutes, and allow free substitution |
102°F or higher | Practices are canceled |
Rain Policy
Games will continue unless there is standing water, lightning, thunder, or field closure.
In accordance with our weather policy, if we are rained out on a Saturday, then our younger divisions (6U & 8U) will have their makeup game take place instead of a regular practice for that week. For these divisions, it will be the coaches responsibility to coordinate & schedule with the other teams coach (that they were scheduled to play) the makeup game on a weekday. Once a date is agreed upon, the coaches will need to let their Division Coordinator know about it (need to make sure the 6U fields at Sheffield are available with no other games going on for that day and time).
For our 10U division and up, makeup games will happen the following Sunday (permitting direction from Area 1R when needed).
For all the divisions, makeup games will be rescheduled with weather permitting.
Fluids, fluids, fluids
Players should have 12-16 ounces of fluid up until 30 minutes before the activity. It's also important for players to continue hydrating throughout the activity. The worse the heat and humidity, hydration should take place more frequently. Additionally, players should start re-hydrating within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the activity.
Heat Exhaustion
Players with cool, moist, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle cramps may be experiencing heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when, because of high humidity or restrictive clothing, sweat is not properly evaporated and the body cannot cool down. To assist a player experiencing heat exhaustion
- Have the player lie down in a shady spot and elevate his or her feet.
- Remove the child's shoes, shin guards, and socks.
- Apply cold packs to the armpit and scalp areas.
- Have the player drink water or an electrolyte solution.
- Dampen the player's skin with cool cloths.
- Fan the player to help evaporate excess sweat.
- If the player's parents are on hand, have them:
- Remove the player's shirt.
- Apply cold packs to the groin area.