Loveland Youth Soccer Association
Inclement Weather Policy
Practice Rainout Rules
Due to the lack of volunteers to help check on field conditions, we need ALL coaches to help us out. We are leaving it up to you - as the coach - to make the decision as to have practice or not. Here are some key things to think about:
1. How would you want others to treat your own lawn? If it has been raining, think about what 20-40 kids running over the same spot for 3 hours might do to your yard - before calling a practice.
2. Has it been raining for more than 2 hours straight? - If it has been raining all day or for a few hours and you see numerous puddles on your field or in your yard at home, then you should NOT hold practice. Please use your ONE CALL to call your team ASAP and let them know.
3. If there are numerous puddles all over the field and you can not find a dry spot, then you will need to cancel practice.
4. If - when you put your foot down on the field, water or mud comes up.....you should NOT be having practice. If you can find a dry spot, then it is ok to practice.
5. Remember - everybody has to play GAMES on these fields, so let's all try to keep the fields as nice and dry as possible!
Coaches are reminded to end practices and/or games as soon
as lightning or thunder is spotted/heard, close or far. If electrical activity
is detected, teams must move. Err on the
side of safety! Do not take unnecessary gambles. Games and practices can be made up, if needed. In order to ensure full understanding, all
coaches are instructed to abide by the specific policy below. This LYSA
policy is to be utilized for
all league games, friendly games and practices involving all league teams.
In addition, all tournaments sanctioned by LYSA are to
follow this policy.
Lightning Safety Standards
· All thunderstorms produce lightning and thunder and are dangerous.
· Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any
rainfall.
· You are in danger from lightning if you can hear
thunder.
· You are in danger if you can see lightning
· Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or
death.
· Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind
· Blue Skies and Lightning. Lightning can travel sideways
for up to 10 miles and strike when skies are blue.
Soccer fields are a dangerous place to be during a
lightning storm. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark
threatening clouds are observed, quickly suspend the game and/or practice and
move to a safe location.
Game Suspension
Requirements
The safety of the player is paramount. If any of the 3
circumstances outlined below occur, the referee is to immediately suspend the
game or the team coach is to suspend his/her practice – don’t try to reach half time or end of game/practice.
1. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you hear thunder,
suspend the game or practice and clear the field. Have everyone immediately go to a safe shelter.
2. Watch for lightning. If you see lightning – suspend
the game or practice and clear the field.
Have everyone immediately go to a safe shelter.
3. If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming or your hair
stands on end, immediately suspend your game or practice. Have everyone immediately go to a safe
shelter. Do not wait until it rains.
Additional indicated actions for Loveland Home games,
In-House and Travel League divisions:
·
If the game referee decides that one of the above
conditions has occurred and suspends the game, his/her decision is final.
·
If the game referee does not immediately suspend the
game when any one of the points above occur, the head coach from each team can
agree that one of the three measurement points have occurred and they are to
withdraw their teams from the field. If this action is taken both coaches are
to send a written report (e-mail is fine, if easier) to the Loveland Referee
Coordinator. Please outline the
circumstances, the facts concerning the weather conditions at that time, the fact
that the two coaches were in agreement and the date and time of the game.
·
Do not retake the field or
re-start the game until all of the lightning and thunder has left the area.
This means that you have not seen any lightning or heard thunder for 30 minutes.
What is considered a safe shelter: No one should stand in water or on wet
field(s) as water is a good conductor of electricity. Do not seek cover under trees as lightning strikes tall objects. Recommended places for shelter are
buildings with active electrical circuits and hard top vehicles, i.e., not
convertibles, with all windows closed.
Picnic shelters ARE NOT suitable shelter.
This policy is not intended to be
all-inclusive. All coaches need to be aware of and understand all risks
associated with use of parks, including potential of lightning strikes or other
dangers resulting from inclement weather.
Always take the safe route, for everyone's sake.