The general rule is that we play in the rain, but NOT thunder or lightning. If the field has a lot of standing water on it, the game should be canceled. At the Recreational Soccer level, canceled games are not rescheduled, they are just not played.
Neither North Metro Soccer nor their coaches make the determination regarding rain-outs for GAMES. This is handled by the Referee Assigning Organization and that will be handled at the field. For the Rec level this only applies to U10, U12 and U13+ as there are no referees for the younger age groups. North Metro Soccer Coaches DO have the final say about rain-outs for their PRACTICES.
Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Heat recomendations:
Hot Weather
Heat is a problem when it prevents the body from cooling itself. The hotter the body gets, the more likely it is to increase fatigue levels, develop cramps and increase the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The hotter and more humid the weather, the faster these problems can develop. Temperatures as low as 65 degrees, with a relative humidity of 100%, can be serious.
A heat index chart should be given to every coach and referee (www.nws.noaa.gov)
Games need to be adjusted as the heat index rises:
Mandatory water breaks
Go to quarters
Shorten the games
Provide training to coaches to teach the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Club administrators and tournament officials are responsible for monitoring the heat index (by weather radio, online or the Weather Channel) and keeping the participating teams and game officials informed of the heat index. Coaches are encouraged to also monitor the conditions.
The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:
Heat Index Recommendations
Up to 89° Normal Play
90° - 99° Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time.
Each half shortened by five minutes.
100° - 105° Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time.
Each half shortened by ten minutes.
105°+ Suspend Play
For further information, please check the NOAA website for additional information in regards to how temperature and humidity combine to make it feel hotter.
