Weather conditions are the responsibility of the game officials, coaches, tournament directors and club administrators. Everyone involved should be aware of the potential dangers posed by different weather conditions and work together to keep the players and other participants as safe as possible. If the weather conditions warrant, game officials and coaches should discuss before the game starts what the procedures will be to insure the safety of the players. Either the DOC and/or the City of Florence ultimately make the decision to close the fields for games due to weather concerns.

Preliminary Concerns
Competitive league play obviously involves travel. Conditions in one location may be very different from another, especially the further apart the two locations are. The coaches are responsible for keeping informed of the weather conditions at home, along their route to the game and at the game site. The coaches are also responsible for communications with the opposing coach and their own team in the event of inclement weather. Discussions between the coaches must provide for common sense to prevail. The Director of Coaching must be informed immediately of any games affected by inclement weather.

Severe Storms

Severe storms can produce high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, thunder and/or tornados. If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees, and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended, ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into their cars or other permanent shelter.

High winds can create problems by dust and debris being in the air or blowing over objects. Heavy rain can create hazardous field conditions or lead to flash flooding. Hail can cause injury. Lightning and thunder is discussed separately below. Tornados are obvious dangers of any severe storm. Use common sense and seek shelter as appropriate.

Lightning and Thunder

Lightning is the second leading cause of storm-related deaths (flooding is first). Lightning can strike up to 10 miles outside of a thunderstorm, literally a bolt from the blue. The danger from lightning can persist for 20-30 minutes or more after a thunderstorm has passed. The National Weather Service does not issue watches or warnings for lightning by itself. However, the National Weather Service does advise that if you see a lightning bolt and hear the thunder in 30 seconds or less, you seek shelter and wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activity.

The Florence Soccer Complex provides a Lightning Detection alert system that will sound a long siren which means to clear the fields and will give three short sirens which means that inclement weather is all clear. 

If a person can hear thunder, or see lightning, the danger already is present. A clear, sunny sky overhead with storm clouds nearby can still be dangerous.

Referees and Coaches should adhere to the following:

• A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it! If lightning is within five miles, with or without hearing thunder, the game(s) or practice(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder.
• FSA recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a designated severe weather shelter, if there is one nearby. Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc, should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.
• Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen or roll of thunder is heard.

Hot Weather

Heat is a problem when it prevents the body from cooling itself. The hotter the body gets, the more likely it is to increase fatigue levels, develop cramps and increase the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The hotter and more humid the weather, the faster these problems can develop. Temperatures as low as 65 degrees, with a relative humidity of 100%, can be serious.

1. A heat index chart should be given to every coach and referee (www.nws.noaa.gov)
2. Games need to be adjusted as the heat index rises:

a. Mandatory water breaks
b. Go to quarters
c. Shorten the games

3. Provide training to coaches to teach the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Coaches are encouraged to also monitor the conditions.The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:

Heat Index	Recommendations
Up to 89°	Normal Play
90° – 99°	Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by five minutes.
100° – 105°	Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by ten minutes.
105°+	Suspend Play

For further information, please check the NOAA website for additional information in regards to how temperature and humidity combine to make it feel hotter.

 

Cold Weather

As cold weather becomes a factor, players should be allowed to dress in appropriate clothing. Field conditions will be affected by freezing rain, sleet and snow. The ground may become frozen and be unsafe for play. Temperature means either ambient (still air) or wind chill index. Check weather radio frequently or weather apps on your phone or personal device for temperature and weather conditions.

Cold Index	Recommendations
46° and higher	No Change
45° and lower	Allowable Additional Clothing:   Layered beneath uniform (for example) – long sleeves – long Pants – additional socks Gloves or mittens Stocking caps without straps Sweat pants or shirts In the case of extremely cold weather, may be worn underneath the uniform, provided the entire team uses the same color sweats Jackets may be worn under the uniform so that referees can see the player’s number in the event of a card being issued. Clothing NOT Allowed: Hooded sweatshirts – hoods and strings present possibility of being grabbed Ear muffs (headbands OK) plastic or metal part crossing top of head presents potential hazard Scarves Isadora Duncan Syndrome
40° and lower	Shorten games 5 min/half
35° and lower	Suspend games

• Players on sidelines should remain dressed (if in warm-ups) until they enter the game.
• Players coming off should towel off (if sweaty) and get dressed quickly.
• No one should sit or lie directly on ground. The heat is lost faster to ground than to air. Blankets and chairs are recommended.
• Keep hydrated-avoid caffeine and pop.
• Keep an eye on field conditions (wet, icy, etc.). Cold wet conditions can quickly change field from safe footing to slippery.
• Keep an eye on the goalie—usually the player who gets coldest first, as not running or moving like a field player.
• Referees and coaches should discuss weather and fields pre-game.
• Safety and health of the players come first.