Weather Policies

The safety of our players and their families are of paramount importance to AYSO. Although our weather policies may seem over-cautious to some, they are in-place for the safety and protection of everyone!

Extreme Heat Policy

Region 1455 prohibits teams from starting or continuing any activity when the actual temperature is 100°F or the temperature and relative humidity create a heat index temperature above 100°F. During a heat spell, make sure hydration starts the day before the event.  Hydrate! 

As a general heat policy, we ask that coaches adhere to the following:·   
    
95 degrees or lower: Generally safe for practice and games·       
96-99 degrees (either actual temperature or heat index): For practices, parent and coach discretion is always advised. Do not overexert and take water breaks every 20 minutes.  For games, water breaks at least every 20 minutes. ·       
100 degrees+ (either actual temperature or heat index): No activities will start or continue.

With regard to games being postponed or cancelled by the league, Coaches will be notified through an email sent through Matchtrak. Coaches are responsible for alerting their teams. Matchtrak schedules and field closures are the final word on game postponement and cancellations.  Decisions regarding game postponement or cancellation will always wait until practice/game day. As always, parent discretion is advised.  

Game day decisions, not made by the league, will occur as follows:

5u-6u: Review Home Coach Phone of Weather Channel App for temperature.  Game time decisions will be made based on this reading, as outlined above. (Both coaches must view this reading. You can screenshot for record)

7u-8u:  Review Match Official Phone of Weather Channel App for temperature.  Game time decisions will be made based on this reading, as outlined above. (Both coaches must view this reading. You can screenshot for record)

10u+: Review Center Referee Phone of Weather Channel App for temperature.  Game time decisions will be made based on this reading, as outlined above. (Both coaches must view this reading. You can screenshot for record)

Any game cancelled at game time by coaches or officials must be reported to [email protected].

Games are played when it's hot, subject to the discretion of the Referee or other AYSO official.  We always support a parent's decision to keep their player from playing if they determine it is not safe for their child to play.  Like all physical exertion activities, players are encouraged to bring proper hydrating fluids with them to all games and practices!  We encourage coaches to take extra breaks and lower the intensity for the players during practice also.

Rain

Since AYSO games are not generally made up due to cancellations due to weather, AYSO games are typically held during "gentle" rain events. Other factors such as Soggy Fields or Nearby Lightning may force a cancellation but games are otherwise played in the rain.

Although parents may not want to sit in the rain to watch a game, please honor the time commitment of the Coaches, Referees and other team players by getting your player(s) to the fields on time for their game. At the conclusion of the game, players may be wet and muddy which doesn't help vehicle interiors. To help protect interiors, bring a pair of plastic grocery bags for the player to wear over muddy shoes and/or a poncho for your player to sit in during the ride home! Umbrellas and a towel to sit on for the parents in the bleachers will also help make the game more enjoyable.

Standing Water/Soggy Fields

After periods of extended rain, the fields in Ladera Ranch may become saturated or even super-saturated resulting in standing water within various locations at the complex. Since standing water can result in awkward footing and/or slippery conditions that might result in player/parent injury, soggy field conditions pose a safety risk.  Additionally, since grassis easily torn when soggy field conditions are present (requiring additional and expensive spot maintenance), games are generally canceled until soggy fields have had a chance to drain.  Show up to the field if you have not seen a cancellation.

Lightning/Thunder

One of the most significant and immediate weather-related dangers to our players is that from lightning strikes. Since lightning can strike relatively anywhere and from great distances of up to 10 miles, AYSO exercises extreme caution when lightning and/or thunder is detected in the area. When games and practices are suspended/canceled due to lightning, the following must occur:

1. ALL players, coaches, referees and family members must immediately vacate the field and side-line premises and seek shelter in either of:
   • a vehicle (recommended), or,
   • the severe weather shelter (i.e. bathroom facilities) at the Soccer Complex Pavilion
2. NOTE: Since lightning is attracted to tall objects (such as trees) and easily transmits through metal (such as bleachers), do not seek shelter under a nearby tree nor near a bleacher! It's not worth it!
3. Games/practices may resume after at least 30-minutes have passed since a lightning strike or the sound of thunder. AYSO staff members will sound the "all-clear" signal in such situations and play will resume as designated by the game referee. As such, parents are encouraged to keep their players safe until the regular conclusion-time of the game.

Cold

Although AYSO games don't generally get canceled due to cold temperatures, please dress accordingly for current and changing weather conditions.

Getting Notified

Field Status Text Alert System

Four ways to get the most UP TO DATE Field Conditions for Ladera Fields:

1. TEXT ALERTS: Text AYSO1455 to 1-833-962-1352 to opt in.
2. Check the Field Status on our Home Page (lower right)
3. Check on MatchTrak
4. Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/laderaranchayso

Playing outside of Ladera? Check the field on MatchTrak

**Please always practice proper preventive maintenance by avoiding any worn or wet areas. If you use goals for practice, you should always set them up on the sidelines to prevent wear on the grass.

IMPORTANT: Cox Soccer 1 is an artificial turf field. It is always open subject to presence of lightning and thunder.