AYSO Region 459 Weather Policy

Always assume GAME ON unless you hear from the Regional Commissioner via Sport Connect email. Soccer is an all-weather sport - we don't cancel games merely because it's raining or snowing. Please note that game status is subject to change and cancelation updates may not be posted on the website or our social media in time for your game.

Cancelations in advance can only be made by our Regional Commissioner. All other cancelations are a game time decision by the referee or in the absence of a referee, the coaches. Games can be canceled due to: 

• Thunder and Lightning
• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Tornado Warning
• Standing Water on the Field
• Ground so wet that play will be dangerous to players or damage the fields; or 
• Other conditions making play dangerous or impractical

DO NOT utilize the Township telephone weather cancelation numbers or their social media information as these apply to their programs only. 

If a referee cancels the game at one field of a multiple field location, then all games are canceled at the location. The weather can change in a very short time. We do NOT cancel games for rain, snow or cold unless the field is unplayable, but that determination cannot be made until game time.

If the game is canceled, before the start of the game or before the end of the first half, field availability permitting, the game will be rescheduled. If the second half was started when it was stopped, then the Regional Commissioner will determine the outcome of the match.

The coaches will always encourage their players and parents to show up at the field at game time because if one team has enough players and the other team doesn't the team without enough players will forfeit the game, if the game could be played. If there is a referee at the field for your game, they are the only person that can determine field playability. If there is no referee, the coaches must come to an agreement as to playability.

When it gets cold or wet, the players can wear warm clothing under their uniforms, including knit hats and gloves. If they wear a hooded sweatshirt, the hood must be tucked into the jersey.

Thunder and Lightning

According to the AYSO Severe Weather Play Guidelines, thunder and lightning are treated in THE EXACT SAME MANNER. Our first concern in the presence of lightning is the safety of our players and families. 

Thunder and Lightning Protocol

Should lightning be seen or thunder heard, the referee or in the event of no referee the coaches, will stop the game. All players, spectators, coaches, and referees are advised to immediately clear the field and seek shelter in a vehicle (under trees or pavilion are not considered safe shelter). Games should not resume until 30 minutes have passed from the most recent recognition of either thunder or lightning. Each instance of thunder or lightning during the period of delay will result in a reset of the 30-minute period. Note that in many cases, the initial delay will result in termination of the match because another match is scheduled on the same field. We realize that in some instances, it may intuitively appear that the danger is either remote or has passed. Nevertheless, the full 30-minute waiting period shall be observed. 

Hot Weather

When temperatures and humidity rise above normal levels, the potential for risk rises. Coaches and referees should be aware of these dangers and be prepared to stop or delay games to ensure proper hydration. Allow for frequent water stoppages in addition to substitution stoppages.

Cold Weather

Risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and injury from numbness are avoidable. Be prepared to delay or even terminate games to ensure proper protection of the players. 

Freezing rain, hail, snow, sleet, or heavy rain can cause field conditions to deteriorate rapidly. Players' loss of solid footing can cause severe injury. Check field conditions before and during games. Be prepared to stop or delay games if severe weather conditions cause the field to become unsafe for participants.

Cancelation of Games Played on Away Fields (non-Region 459 Fields)

10U and up divisions occasionally play away games at other AYSO area fields. Our Region has no control over how other fields are run or managed or whether games played there are canceled. IF we are given information about cancelations at away fields, we will do our best to pass it on to the affected coaches.