Vashon Island Soccer Club Weather Policies
Weather conditions are the responsibility of the game officials, coaches, and club administrators. All 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. Coaches, game officials, and club directors should monitor weather conditions including the warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service. In the event of sudden changes, club directors will be communicating with coaches and game officials via text or call. A weather plan should be provided to the participating teams to allow a clear understanding of shelter locations, evacuation plans and how the weather will affect game results. Club administrators should perform similar functions for league play.
The following information applies to both games and other soccer activities.
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.
Air Quality
- All practices and games will be canceled if the AQI is >150 per EPA guidelines.
- The 100-150 range is at the coaches discretion. Coaches may cancel games or practices if they feel the situation is not safe for their players or themselves, even if values are in the 100-150 range. However, if the issue is primarily about the coach's own health, we encourage them to find another coach to lead that practice or game if the AQI is <150, especially <120.
- Coaches should consider adjusting practice plans within this mid range, 100-150. Drills that involve more standing/lines for skills or technique development are encouraged. This could also be a good time for coaches to offer longer instructions or discussions while their players sit more than they normally would at a practice. There should be no drills focused on conditioning.
- AQI values from local sensors on the island provide more accurate information than the general AirNOW value on the APP or website, which is typically higher than reality. The soccer club recommends the PurpleAir site. Look at sensors closest to the field where practices or games will be played: https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#11/47.435/-122.4237
- Forecasts for AQI are generally unreliable given shifting wind and smoke patterns. Making play/no play determinations as close to the event as possible is recommended to avoid false positives and false negatives. However, calls may need to be made the night before if teams are traveling off-island in the morning.
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. Tornados are obvious dangers of any severe storm. Use common sense and seek shelter as appropriate. Lightning and thunder is discussed separately below.
Thunder and Lightning
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 club recommends the My Lightning Tracker app, or LightningMaps.org to track lightning strikes that may be in the area.
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:
- 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 or similar app can identify the distance accurately. However, 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. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
- Participants should 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.
- 30-Minute Rule: 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.
A heat index chart takes into account the relative humidity as well as the temperature to help with recommendations about the safety of outdoor activity. This and other tools are available at Heat Forecast Tools (weather.gov)
Games need to be adjusted as the heat index rises:
- Mandatory water breaks
- Go to quarters
- Shorten the games
- Provide training to coaches to teach the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Club administrators and coaches are responsible for monitoring the heat index (by weather radio, online or the Weather Channel) and keeping the participating teams and game officials informed of the heat index. The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:
VISC MOD Directors will monitor temperatures and help make recommendations to MOD coaches and MOD referees about adjustments in regards to heat. MOD Coaches and referees can also monitor and make adjustments as they see fit.
Heat Index Recommendations- Based on temperature/humidity degree in chart
- Up to 84°: Normal Play
- 85° – 89°: Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time.
- 90° – 99°: Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by five minutes.
- 100° – 104°: Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by ten minutes.
- 105°+: Suspend Play
Apply the above recommendations to both games and other soccer activities.
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
For fall play, cold 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 for temperature and weather conditions.
VISC MOD Directors will monitor temperatures and help make recommendations to MOD coaches and MOD referees about adjustments in regards to cold. MOD coaches and referees can also make adjustments as they see fit for the safety of players.
Cold Index Recommendations
- 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 carbonated drinks.
- 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.
Apply the above recommendations to both games and other soccer activities.