INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Weather conditions can cause potential dangerous situations for our players and participants. The Inclement Weather Policy is in place to keep all involved as safe as possible. ARS coaches, players, and members will work together in following the guidelines below to create a safe environment for our participants at all times. Listed below are inclement weather situations and courses of action.
Severe Storms
Severe storms are dangerous and can be upon us before we know it. High winds, heavy rainfall, hail, lightning and thunder can cause serious threat quickly in any situation. If a severe storm is approaching the area, been spotted on Radar, or is visibly in close proximity, activities will be suspended until the area is determined safe to play. ARS recommends all participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a permanent structure such as bathrooms/concession buildings. Avoid any open structures, trees, tents, metal or other conducting materials, and unprotected open areas. Coach will notify team when it is safe to return to the fields, or activity has been cancelled.
Lightning & Thunder
The danger from lightning can persist for 20-30 minutes or more after a thunderstorm has passed. Lightning can strike from over 10 miles away and is considered a major threat to the safety of our participants. If lightning or thunder are seen or heard, all game(s) and practice(s) will be suspended and all participants will need to seek shelter immediately. Game(s) or practice(s) will not restart for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike has been seen or thunder has been heard. If lightning & thunder continue for longer periods of time, all game(s) and practice(s) will be cancelled. Coach will notify team when it is safe to return to the fields, or activity has been cancelled.
Hot Weather
When the body cannot continue to cool itself dangerous situations arise. Symptoms caused by the body over heating can include fatigue, nausea, headaches, cramps, dry mouth, and decrease in sweating. By monitoring and limiting outdoor exposure during extremely hot conditions and properly hydrating our participants, we can create a much safer playing environment. Below are the guidelines for temp, amount of exposure, and hydration patterns during hot weather activities.
- Heat Index up to 89°: Normal Play. Regular hydration patterns
- Heat index of 90°- 95°: Mandatory water breaks every 25 minutes. Total Maximum outdoor exposure of 75 minutes
- Heat index of 96°-102°: Mandatory water breaks every 15 minutes. Total Maximum outdoor exposure of 60 minutes
- Heat index over 103°: All outside activity cancelled
Cold Weather
Cold weather conditions can be just as dangerous. The mix of cold air and hard playing surfaces can cause difficulty breathing, muscle pulls, loss of feeling in extremities, frostbite to exposed skin, and greater risk for injury coming in contact with a harder/cold surface. By monitoring and limiting outdoor exposure during extremely cold conditions we can create a much safer playing environment. Below are the guidelines for temp (air temp or wind- chill factor), amount of exposure, and suggested clothing during cold weather activities.
- Temperature of 45° and above: Normal Play. Cautious of playing surface. Layers suggested.
- Temperature of 40°- 44°: Total Maximum outdoor exposure of 75 minutes. Layers recommended. No exposed legs, arms or hands suggested.
- Temperature of 35°- 39°: Total Maximum outdoor exposure of 60 minutes. No exposedlegs, arms or hands strongly recommended. Multiple layers and hats alsorecommended.
- Temperature of 34° or below: All outside activity cancelled