Weather Policies

The safety of our players and their families are of paramount importance to AYSO. Although our weather policies may seem over-cautious to some, they are in-place for the safety and protection of everyone!

Getting Notified

Parents and players are encouraged to check our website for information

Rain

Since AYSO games are not generally made up due to cancellations due to weather, AYSO games are typically held during "gentle" rain events. Other factors such as Soggy Fields or Nearby Lightning may force a cancellation but games are otherwise played in the rain.

Although parents may not want to sit in the rain to watch a game, please honor the time commitment of the Coaches, Referees and other team players by getting your player(s) to the Soccer complex on-time for their game. At the conclusion of the game, players may be wet and muddy which doesn't help vehicle interiors. To help protect interiors, bring a pair of plastic grocery bags for the player to wear over muddy shoes and/or a poncho for your player to sit in during the ride home! Umbrellas and a towel to sit on for the parents in the bleachers will also help make the game more enjoyable.

Lightning

One of the most significant and immediate weather-related dangers to our players is that from lightning strikes. Since lightning can strike relatively anywhere and from great distances, AYSO exercises extreme caution when lightning is detected in the area. When games are suspended/canceled due to lightning, the following must occur:

1. ALL players, coaches, referees and family members must immediately vacate the field and side-line premises and seek shelter in either of:
   • a vehicle (recommended), or,
   • the severe weather shelter (i.e. bathroom facilities) at the Soccer Complex Pavilion
2. NOTE: Since lightning is attracted to tall objects (such as trees) and easily transmits through metal (such as bleachers), do not seek shelter under a nearby tree nor near a bleacher! It's not worth it!
3. Games may resume after at least 30-minutes have passed since a lightning strike. AYSO staff members will sound the "all-clear" signal in such situations and play will resume as designated by the game referee. As such, parents are encouraged to keep their players at the complex until the regular conclusion-time of the game.

Like all physical exertion activities, players are encouraged to bring proper hydrating fluids with them to all games and practices!

Cold

Although AYSO games don't generally get canceled due to cold temperatures, please dress accordingly for current and changing weather conditions.