Weather Policy

           

This policy is designed to set certain guidelines regarding how various types of weather can affect soccer games and when VESC is required to cancel games.  Inclement weather can include but is not limited to the following:

  • Thunderstorms & Lightning
  • Rain / Heavy rainfall
  • Air Quality
  • Extreme Heat

It is VESC’s policy that when games are cancelled due to poor weather conditions the following rules apply:

  • If the games are during the regular season, cancelled games will not be rescheduled.  
  • If the games are during the playoffs, then VESC will do everything possible to reschedule games, however VESC reserves the right to not reschedule a game if there are too many obstacles (such as field availability, coaching availability, referee availability, etc.)
  • ONLY during playoffs:  IF a game is cancelled during the first half, then VESC will reschedule the whole game if possible.  IF a game is cancelled during the second half, then VESC reserves the right to either reschedule the second half only OR if it was more than half-way through the second half to declare the team with the most goals the winner.  

When VESC is required to cancel games, coaches and referees will receive communication via email by no later than 5 pm if possible.  Coaches will be asked to inform the parents / caregivers that the game has been cancelled.  VESC will also post on social media if games are cancelled.  Please be mindful that weather is unpredictable.  VESC does its best to make informed decisions and will not cancel games if possible.

Inclement Weather Rules

Thunderstorms & Lightning

  • If thunder is heard by the Head referee or a Board member a 5-minute timer will be started and games will be paused.  IF thunder is heard again within the set amount of time, then all games currently being played will be cancelled.  An air horn will be used to signal to all referees and coaches that the current games are to be cancelled and all players / spectators / referees and coaches must leave the fields.
  • If there is a severe thunderstorm watch, games ‘may’ continue as scheduled; however, depending on the conditions VESC reserves the right to cancel.  
  • If there is a severe weather warning; games will most likely be cancelled
  • If lightning is observed, all games are cancelled immediately.

Rain / Heavy Rainfall

  • When there is heavy rain, the City of Greater Sudbury may contact the VESC to inform us that the fields have been closed.  When this happens, VESC will need to cancel all games.
  • When there is heavy rain and the City of Greater Sudbury does not contact VESC, a board member will attend the fields to assess the safety of them with regards to gameplay.  If VESC determines the fields are too waterlogged to safely play soccer, all games will be cancelled.

Air Quality

  • VESC will follow the guidelines set out by Environment Canada with regards to Air Quality and gameplay.  
  • When Air Quality is between 1 – 6 (Low Risk to Moderate Risk) gameplay will continue as scheduled.    
  • When Air Quality is at a level 7 – 10, Coaches and referees will receive an email from VESC stating that the Air Quality is not optimal for those at risk of complications due to poor air quality.  It will be left up to the parents / caregivers if a player / referee is to attend the game.
  • When the Air Quality is at a level 10+ all games will be cancelled
Health RiskAir Quality Health IndexHealth Messages
At Risk Population*General Population
Low1 – 3Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate4 – 6Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
High7 – 10Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Very HighAbove 10Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

***Source https://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/ 

Extreme Heat

  • VESC will follow the guidelines set by Environment Canada with regard to Humidex and the degree of comfort
  • Humidex between 20 – 29; games will not be cancelled.
  • Humidex between 30 – 39; a message to coaches and referees will be sent via email to inform them about the humidex.  It will be up to the parents/caregivers/coaches if they wish to attend the games.  Depending on the age and the individual health, players, coaches and referees may wish to skip the game.
  • Humidex 40+; all games will be cancelled.

Range of Humidex: degree of comfort