The primary purpose of this weather policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all players, coaches, officials, and spectators participating in O.C.R.C. youth soccer activities in Michigan. We adhere to the guidelines set forth by US Youth Soccer and the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), prioritizing participant safety above all else.
General Principles
Safety First: Player safety is paramount. No game or practice is worth risking injury or illness due to adverse weather conditions.
Assume Play: Unless otherwise communicated by the league, assume games and practices will proceed as scheduled.
Designated Authority: The decision to delay, suspend, or cancel activities due to weather rests with the following individuals, in order:
Game Day: Referee (for games), or designated Field Coordinator/League Official.
Practices/Events: Head Coach, in consultation with the Field Manager if available.
Communication: Every effort will be made to communicate weather-related decisions as quickly and broadly as possible via SportsYou. Parents and coaches are responsible for monitoring these channels.
Specific Weather Conditions
Lightning and Thunder
This is the most critical and non-negotiable aspect of our weather policy.
Immediate Suspension: If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, all outdoor soccer activities (games, practices, clinics, etc.) must be suspended immediately.
Seek Shelter: All participants (players, coaches, officials, and spectators) must immediately seek safe shelter in a substantial building (e.g., school, community center) or a fully enclosed, hard-top vehicle. Open-sided shelters, dugouts, sheds, and areas under trees are NOT safe.
30-Minute Rule (Flash-to-Bang/Thunder Count):
"When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors": If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Err on the side of caution.
No Play Before All-Clear: No activity is permitted to resume until the designated authority has given the all-clear, ensuring the 30-minute rule has been consistently met.
Extreme Heat and Humidity
Michigan summers can be hot and humid. We will follow guidelines consistent with US Youth Soccer and MSYSA heat policies, which often refer to the Heat Index or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
Monitoring: Coaches and league officials should monitor the Heat Index using reliable sources (e.g., National Weather Service, local weather apps).
Hydration:
Mandatory and frequent hydration breaks will be incorporated into all activities, regardless of the heat index. Water should always be readily available.
Players are encouraged to bring ample water and to hydrate before, during, and after activities.
Activity Modifications (General Guidelines - Specifics may be based on Heat Index Chart):
Extreme Cold and Wind Chill
Michigan winters and even spring/fall can bring significant cold.
Temperature & Wind Chill: Decisions will be based on the actual temperature and wind chill.
Appropriate Attire: Players should be allowed to wear appropriate layers, including:
Activity Modifications (General Guidelines):
Wind Chill < 32°F (0°C): Monitor players closely for cold-related issues. Encourage layers and active movement during breaks.
Wind Chill < 20°F (-6.7°C): Consider shortening practices/games. Increase frequency of substitutions. Provide opportunities for players to warm up in a sheltered area (e.g., team tent, vehicle).
Wind Chill < 10°F (-12.2°C):
Frozen/Icy Fields: Regardless of air temperature, if fields are frozen solid, covered in ice, or otherwise present a significant slip-and-fall hazard, activities will be canceled or relocated.
Wet & Cold: The combination of cold and wet conditions (rain, snow, melted snow) increases the risk of hypothermia. Extra caution will be exercised in these conditions. Players should have dry clothes to change into if they get wet.
Heavy Rain / Unplayable Fields
Rain Alone: Games and practices are generally not canceled for rain alone, provided field conditions remain safe.
Unplayable Conditions: Activities will be suspended or canceled if:
Standing Water: Significant standing water on the field creates a splash hazard, makes ball movement impossible, and increases the risk of injury.
Slippery/Muddy Fields: Fields that become excessively muddy or slippery, posing a risk of ankle, knee, or other injuries.
Field Damage: Continuing play would cause significant, irreparable damage to the playing surface.
Referee/Coach Discretion:
Games: The referee has the final authority to determine if a field is playable due to rain/standing water. Coaches should consult with the referee.
Practices: The Field Manager has the final authority for practice cancellations due to field conditions.
Rescheduling: If a game is stopped due to unplayable field conditions:
If at least one half of the game has been completed, the game may be considered complete with the score at the time of suspension recorded as final (per MSYSA/league rules).
If less than one half has been completed, the game will typically be rescheduled.
Tornado Watch/Warning
Tornado Watch: Be aware of changing weather conditions. Continue activities but have an immediate plan to seek shelter if a warning is issued or conditions worsen.
Tornado Warning: All activities must cease immediately. Everyone must seek the nearest designated safe shelter (e.g., basement of a sturdy building, interior room with no windows). Activities will not resume until the warning has expired and the all-clear is given by authorities.
Communication of Cancellations/Delays
Pre-Activity: Decisions for league-wide cancellations (games or practices) will be made as far in advance as possible.
During Activity:
Notification Methods: SportsYou
Parent/Guardian Responsibility: Parents are responsible for ensuring they receive these communications and for making their own informed decisions about their child's participation based on personal comfort and local conditions.
All coaches, players, parents, and officials associated with O.C.R.C. are expected to understand and comply with this weather policy. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action.