With soccer being an outside sport, unfortunately we are subject to weather conditions. With that in mind, New Maryland Soccer will be adhering to the following Inclement Weather Policies.
Goals / Principles
The safety of members, visitors and officials is of prime concern to NMS.
In the event of inclement weather, parents have the right to remove their child from the field, even when a game has not been abandoned.
Requirements/Standards
- NMS coaches and officials must be aware of the weather forecast prior to a game, and should understand that these forecasts change as conditions change. They should also be aware that non-severe thunderstorms do produce lightning.
- The decision to abandon play shall be made by the game officials, except that where no official is present (e.g. in mini-games or at practices), this decision shall be made by the coach(es).
- Notwithstanding the above, if thunder is heard, or lightning is seen, play in that game shall be abandoned and all participants shall be directed to seek appropriate shelter, such as: a vehicle (windows rolled up); a building; or low ground. Immediate medical help must be sought if any individual is struck by lightning.
- If this does occur, play can only resume after 30 minutes without thunder/lightning
- NMS will do our best to advise all parents/players of the playing status as early as possible, but weather conditions change quickly and notification is not always possible as early as we would like.
Guidelines/Recommendations
- In the event of hot weather, appropriate safety precautions should be taken such as ensuring children have sufficient water, shortening games or practices, taking extra breaks, use of wet sponges etc.
- The decision of whether or not a child participates in a practice/game during heat/humidity is at the discretion of the parent/guardian.
Extreme Heat Policy
During periods of extreme heat, intense physical activities can cause serious health problems for soccer players of all ages. Before all practices/games, all players should be well hydrated; players should drink water 30 minutes before practice and every 20 minutes for an hour after every practice and/or game. During periods of extreme heat, NMS will monitor the heat index (combination of air temperature and humidity) and will post results on its website and Facebook page. Coaches, Managers and Team Officials shall abide by the following guidelines, but, if at any time a player exhibits signs of stress related to extreme heat, the player should be immediately removed from play, moved out of the sun and provided with water or sports drink.
| Heat Index | Action |
|---|---|
| Up to 30°C | Normal Play |
| 30-35°C | Mandatory water breaks (5 minute duration) every 20 minutes |
| Over 35°C | No games or practices |