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Weather Guidelines

Lightning Countdown Clock

In the event of inclement weather prior to the start of the game, Sporting LS board members will review conditions and determine if the game will be played as scheduled, delayed, or canceled. The cancellation line (816-473-1001) will be updated as soon as a decision is made. Additionally, the PlayMetrics app will be updated to reflect the cancelation.

Games in progress during a lightning event are finished for the day.  If the game is in the second half, it will be considered complete.  If the game is in the first half, it will be rescheduled for another day.

Lightning Notification Signals

One horn blast (15 seconds): clear fields and wait in vehicles.

Strobe Flashing (located on top of main concession stand): Lightning in area. Seek shelter now.

Three horn blasts (5 seconds each): all clear, return to fields.

 


General cool weather Guidelines

Dry conditions, wind chill above 32°F, temperature above 40°F — we play.
Wet conditions (ie: rain, drizzle, etc.), wind chill above 40°F, temperature above 48°F — we play.

Because conditions can change, these are merely guidelines used by the Field Marshals to aid in making a decision whether or not to play. Please dress appropriately for cold-weather play.

Inclement weather Guidelines

If inclement weather moves in during a game, the head referee and field marshals will be watching for any condition that may affect the safety of the patrons. If any unsafe condition is identified by the head referee, he / she will contact a Field Marshal via the hand held radios in the game boxes located at each field. Unsafe conditions due to weather such as lightning, will be monitored by our Storm Warning device located at the main concession stand. If a lightning strike is within 10 miles of Legacy Park, the Storm Warning device will signal one horn blast to stop all games until the storm has passed and no lightning strikes are detected within 10 miles for more than 30 minutes. The Storm Warning device will have a flashing strobe light for the duration of the delay. Three horn blasts will signal an "all clear".

Unsafe conditions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Excessive damage to the field / or equipment.
  • Excessive water / snow
  • High winds
  • Lightning
  • Hail

Heat Guidelines

Sporting LS has implemented the following guidelines to deal with extreme heat at all youth soccer games and practices. It is designed to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat. The two values that Sporting LS will take into account when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity. The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We will rely on the heat index reading that is updated hourly by the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill. Sporting LS has defined five heat index zones. These zones are based on recommended guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme heat.

White Zone

Heat index of 65-80 degrees. In this range, the participant is in very little danger from heat and no special measures will be taken by Sporting LS.

Yellow Zone

Heat index of 81-98 degrees. In this range, coaches will be encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices.

Orange Zone

Heat index of 99-105 degrees. In this range, Sporting LS will implement the following at games: all measures taken in the Yellow Zone; water coolers will be available at each field complex for players/parents/fans.

If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to keep players well hydrated and to take frequent breaks.

Red Zone

Heat index ranging of 106 to 115 degrees.

Sporting LS will implement the following for games: all measures taken in the Yellow and Orange Zones; one mandatory water break in the middle of each half with a running clock; the length of games will be modified according to the schedule below.

  • Pre-K and Kindergarten - Each half will be shortened from 15 minutes to 12 minutes.
     
  • 1st Grade and 2nd Grade - Each half will be shortened from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.
     
  • 3rd Grade - 6th Grade - Each half will be shortened from 25 minutes to 20 minutes.
     
  • Middle school and High school - Each half will be shortened from 30 minutes to 25 minutes.

If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated.

Black Zone

Heat index above 115. In this range,

Sporting LS will cancel all games until the heat index returns to 115 or below. Notification will be given through the Sporting LS rainout line (816-473-1001) and at the fields.

If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to cancel practice until the heat index returns to 115 or below.

Practice Notification is the responsibility of the coach.

During the course of the day, the heat index will rise and fall depending upon the time of day, amount of wind, cloud cover, etc. The above program modifications could also change throughout the course of the day, especially on a weekend. For example, a 1pm game on Saturday could be played under the Orange Zone guidelines and a 4pm game could be played under Red Zone guidelines. Coaches and parents will be informed of the appropriate zone of play through the Sporting LS rainout number – 816-473-1001 and at the fields.

The above are merely guidelines and it is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in Sporting LS events when heat may be a factor, taking into consideration the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration.