Severe Weather Play Guidelines

 

 Some of the most common severe weather conditions for our region are:

Hot Weather

When temperatures and humidity rise above normal levels, the potential for risk arises. Be aware of these dangers and be prepared to stop or delay games (or practices) to ensure proper hydration. The proper and continued hydration of players and volunteers is essential starting at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled event. Sunscreen of appropriate strength should be applied frequently.

 

 

Cold Weather

Risk of hypothermia, frostbite and injury from numbness are avoidable. Consider canceling games (or practices) when the weather is cold enough that players are adversely affected by it. Freezing rain, hail, snow, sleet or heavy rain can cause field conditions to deteriorate rapidly. Check field conditions before and during games (and practices). Be prepared to stop or delay games if severe weather conditions cause the field to become unsafe for participants.

 

 

Thunder and Lightning Storms

Always delay or cancel practices and games in the event of a thunder and lightning storm. Thunder and lightning storms are very serious and participants should never be allowed to practice or play games in a thunder and lightning storm.

If you hear it, clear it. If you see it, flee it. Keep the field clear until you have at least 30 minutes with no thunder or visible lightning.

Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren't worth death or crippling injury.

The AYSO National Referee Commission position regarding severe weather states: "It is said that lightning can strike from a clear blue sky that is within a ten-mile radius of a storm. It is therefore strongly recommended that practices and games be terminated immediately upon hearing thunder or seeing lightning."

In view of the above, the following is the position of AYSO Region 870 regarding severe weather and is to be instituted by coaches and referees at all practices, games and other AYSO sponsored events.

AYSO 870 will not cancel entire days or all remaining games due to active thunderstorms in our area as these storms usually pass through quickly. Regardless of the weather overhead, when thunder is heard and/or lightning is seen, suspend play and direct participants to a safe area by following the guidelines below. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard, or lightning seen.

Areas considered safe

• Inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle with windows up
• Inside a substantial building (roof and four walls)

Unsafe Areas

• Small buildings including picnic shelters and the open area of a concession stand
• Anywhere near metallic objects like flagpoles, antennas, towers, underground watering systems, soccer goals, metal bleachers, electric equipment
• Open fields, trees and water

Open area without shelter

• Avoid standing in groups
• Spread out to reduce risk
• Crouch on your feet, keep your head low
• Avoid being the tallest object
• Avoid lying on the ground

If a strike occurs to an individual

• Call 911
• If you are qualified to do so, apply First Aid or CPR immediately
• People struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch

Restarting after the All-Clear (30 minutes after the last boom is heard or strike is seen)

• Games which have completed the first half will be considered finished and the score at the time play was suspended shall be the final score.
• Games which have completed less than one half; the referee will resume by starting the second half, reducing the remaining time if necessary so that the match ends at the scheduled time.

 

Dust/Smoke (Air Quality)

Here in the Willamette Valley, both dust (from field plowing and harvesting) and smoke (from fires) can reduce the air quality dramatically in a rather short period of time. Please exercise caution when considering whether or not to hold practices or games. If the air quality is low and visibility is poor, consider canceling practices or moving them to a different time or location when the air quality is better. Many participants could have allergies or asthma that might be severely aggravated by poor air quality.

Take a look at this flier for Oregon Health Authority (here). If a training is done in orange weather, please make it light P.E. like activities. No training sessions shall take place in the red category.

"Athletes with asthma should have rescue inhalers readily available and pretreat before exercise or as directed by their healthcare provider. All athletes with respiratory illness, asthma, lung or heart disease should monitor symptoms and reduce/cease activity if symptoms arise. Increase rest periods as needed."-OSAA

 

Other Emergency Planning