Weather Policy

General Weather Decision Authority

Practices

• The decision to hold or cancel practice is ultimately the responsibility of the Head Coach unless otherwise directed by Dickinson Soccer Club administration.

• Club administration may issue club-wide cancellations or guidance when necessary due to field conditions or severe weather concerns

Games

• Club administration will determine cancellations or delays for recreational games and club-hosted events whenever possible.

• Tournament policies may vary based on tournament host rules.

Weather-related communication will be distributed through:

• Stack Team App

• Team communication from coaches

• Dickinson Soccer Club Facebook page

Whenever possible, weather decisions for practices or games will be made by 3:00 PM on the scheduled day.

If no cancellation communication has been sent, families should assume activities are proceeding as scheduled.

Rain & Field Conditions

Rain alone is not an automatic reason to cancel practices or games.

Activities may be canceled if:

• Field conditions create an unsafe playing environment

• Standing water is present

• Fields are at risk of significant damage from play

If the club does not cancel activities due to rain, coaches may still cancel practice at their discretion based on local conditions and player safety.

Lightning & Thunder Policy

Player and spectator safety is the highest priority during lightning events.

Suspension of Activity

All practices and games must immediately stop if:

• Lightning is seen, or

• Lightning is detected within 10 miles

Return to Play

Activities may resume only after:

• 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning strike or thunder sound

Shelter Requirements During Lightning Delays:

• Fields must be cleared immediately

• All players, coaches, and spectators must seek shelter in:

• A substantial building, or

• Fully enclosed vehicles

Trees, tents, and open shelters are not considered safe shelters.

Weather Monitoring

Coaches are strongly encouraged to use weather monitoring apps with lightning tracking capability, such as:

• WeatherBug

• Weather Underground

• Other lightning detection apps

Severe Thunderstorm Watches & Warnings

If the National Weather Service issues a Thunderstorm Watch:

• Activities may continue

• Parents and guardians should remain near the fields

• Coaches and administrators should closely monitor changing weather conditions

If lightning or severe weather is in the area (10 mile radius):

• All activity must stop immediately

• Players and spectators must vacate the fields until cleared to resume

Tornado Warnings & Sirens

If:

• A tornado warning is issued, or

• Outdoor tornado sirens activate

Then:

• All soccer activities must immediately stop

• Players, coaches, and spectators must leave the complex and seek shelter immediately

The recommended nearby shelter location is:

• West River Community Center (WRCC)

Snow Policy

Activities generally will not be canceled for snow unless:

• Snow accumulation is sticking to the grass, and

• Playing conditions are unsafe or prevent normal play

Cold Weather Guidelines

Activities may be canceled when:

• Air temperature is below 40°F, or

• Wind chill is below 35°F

Cold Weather Recommendations

Players are encouraged to:

• Dress in layers

• Wear gloves and hats

• Wear moisture-wicking clothing when possible

During games:

• The official jersey must remain the outermost layer

Heat Policy

Activities should be canceled, postponed, or modified when:

• Heat index exceeds 95°F, or

• Air temperature reaches 90°F or higher

These conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness during physical activity.

The club may also implement:

• Additional water breaks

• Reduced activity levels

• Modified schedule

Makeup Events

• Recreational practices and games canceled due to weather are generally not rescheduled.

• Tournament games and special events may follow tournament-host or club-specific rescheduling procedures.

Final Authority

Dickinson Soccer Club administration reserves the right to cancel, postpone, delay, or modify any activity due to weather, field conditions, or safety concerns at any time.