Managing Inclement Weather

Best Practices for League Operators: Managing Inclement Weather

League operators are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants during inclement weather. The following best practices provide guidelines for handling rain, snow, storms, and high heat index situations effectively.

General Guidelines

Consult High School Rules: Follow local high school sports regulations for weather-related safety protocols.
Communicate Clearly: Notify families of cancellations or delays on game day via email, text, or social media.
Plan Makeup Dates: Include makeup dates in the schedule and share policies at season start.

Weather-Specific Guidelines

Rain: Cancel games if fields are flooded or unsafe.
Snow: Monitor road conditions; cancel if travel or field conditions are unsafe.
Storms:

Cancel or postpone if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius.
Wait 30 minutes after the last strike to resume play.

Heat Index Guidelines

95-99°F: Mandatory water breaks, cooling towels, and close athlete monitoring.
100-104°F: Shorten events; follow all 95-99°F measures.
104°F+: Reschedule all games to cooler times.

Rain/Wind/Cold

Thunder/Lightning: 30-minute delay; cancel if conditions persist.
Excessive Rain/Wind: Games may be canceled.
Below 40°F with Rain: Games may be canceled.

Additional Considerations

Emergency Action Plans: Train staff and volunteers on weather protocols.
Weather Monitoring: Use reliable tools to track conditions.
Educate Families: Teach signs of heat-related illnesses and stress hydration.

Weather Policy for Parents

Leagues offer one makeup per season. If multiple cancellations occur, leagues may schedule doubleheaders or adjust the season. Rescheduling is not guaranteed due to external factors. The Weather Policy aligns with the Refund and Force Majeure Policies, available to families.

By following these practices, league operators ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants in all weather conditions.