Generally speaking, any cancellation of games will be made at the fields at game time. Only in rare situations will sessions be canceled in advance. Canceling games in advance is difficult mainly because of varying weather patterns across town or at different times throughout the day and due to diverse playing surfaces. If, however, sessions are canceled in advance, we will update our voicemail at 559-3013.
Determining whether the conditions warrant cancellation is up to the Lead Coach of the Age Group. If the Lead Coach is unavailable, then the decision lies with the general agreement of the other coaches and the referees.
Cancellation Considerations
· Sessions will be held in the rain.
· Time slots will be immediately delayed, postponed or canceled in the event of thunder, lightning or hail. In these situations, participants, spectators, coaches and referees should seek immediate shelter (e.g., building or automobile). Lead coaches &/or referees should blow the whistle 3 times to alert players.
č A comment regarding lightning: lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm. That’s about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder or see lightning, SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! Also, wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter – do not be fooled by sunshine or blue sky!
· Consideration to delay or cancel a time slot should be given for downpours, freezing rain, severe wind gusts and temperature extremes (i.e., cold, heat and/or humidity).
· Play should be suspended if the fields are determined to be hazardous to players. This includes, but is not limited to, significant potholes or mud holes on the field, excessive water on the field, improperly secure goal posts and dangerous objects on the field.
Making Up Canceled Games
· If all games for the day are canceled, then the League Coordinators will attempt to re-schedule the games. The league-wide scheduled make up day will be used first.
· Individual time slots and/or games that are canceled are up to the Lead Coaches and participating coaches to make up. The league-wide make-up date can be used if not needed by the league. An alternative is playing during a practice night.
· For weather related cancellations, partial cancellations will be avoided. For example, the U8 League plays 5 games at once – either all or none of the games for that time slot will be canceled.
· Games stopped in the second half of play will generally be canceled and not made up.
Please remember, the intention of game is to have FUN! Always use conservative judgment when dealing with the safety of our children, especially considering unpredictable weather conditions and playing surfaces.
