Cancellation Timing & Communication

It’s difficult to predict the weather and we don’t like to cancel if we think there’s a chance we won’t have to. However, we do make every effort to notify parents and players through GroupMe at least 2 hours before training. If we don’t send a message, it means training is not cancelled (yet).

Outdoor Training

We don’t cancel training lightly — we train in the rain and we don’t complain — but we do cancel in these situations:

  • Lightning in the area or other severe weather
  • Field conditions are dangerous and unplayable

We normally also cancel in these situations:

  • Temperature below freezing (32 degrees) or below 40 with precipitation
  • Field conditions likely to lead to field damage and/or an unproductive session
  • Travel to or from the field is likely to be unsafe (such as freezing rain is predicted to start at the end of the training session)

Indoor Training

We may cancel indoor training in the following circumstances:

  • There is a snow emergency where the facility is located or where the coaches homes are located
  • Travel to or from the indoor facility is likely to be unsafe (such as freezing rain is predicted to start during the training session)
  • There is an issue at the facility (light, heat, water)

Procedures for Thunderstorms

The safety of players, referees, and spectators is paramount. If a coach or referee hears thunder or sees lightning, they should immediately suspend the game or training session and clear the field. Instruct everyone to find shelter immediately – cars, buildings, picnic shelters (not tents). Take shelter yourself, even if others don’t. Never stay on a wet field (water conducts) or under a tree (lightning strikes tall objects).

You must wait 30 minutes from the last time you heard thunder or saw lightning to retake the field or resume play.

For referees and coaches, failure to follow these procedures could result in suspension of your referee or coaching license.

CPL Rules for Suspended Games and Referee Pay

  • If a game has reached half time and can’t be resumed in a reasonable time, the game can be considered final. Refs get full pay.
  • If a game has not reached half time and can’t be resumed in a reasonable time, the game will be rescheduled. Refs get half pay and must give teams back half.

Other leagues may have different rules.

Facts About Lightning

  • All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.
  • Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
  • You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder or see lightning.
  • Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death.
  • Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles and strike when skies are blue.
  • Soccer fields are a dangerous place to be during a lightning storm.