WEATHER POLICY

Responsibilities & Policies

Coaches, club administrators, and game officials share responsibility for monitoring weather conditions. They must stay alert to potential weather-related risks and work together to protect the safety of all participants.

Weather can vary significantly by location. Coaches are expected to stay informed about weather and field conditions at their home game sites.

If a game is unplayable due to weather, the Coach or designated club member must contact the opposing coach to confirm the cancellation and then submit the Weather Game Cancel Form to the CJSL Games Chairperson at least two hours before game time.

Failure to submit the form within this window will result in the Home Club being responsible for referee fees.

Important: If no contact is made between clubs and no form is submitted, games will proceed as scheduled. Only the Referee on-site has authority to cancel a game once teams arrive.

Grass Fields

The Home Club must submit the Weather Game Cancel Form to the Games Chairperson any time field conditions are questionable or the park has closed the field.

  • Notification must be made at least two hours prior to kickoff

  • Late cancellations will require the Home Club to cover referee fees

  • Once teams are at the field, only the Referee can cancel the game due to conditions

Turf Fields

All games scheduled on turf are considered ON, unless:

  • The field is flooded or otherwise unplayable, with video or photographic proof

  • Extreme weather conditions (outlined below) occur

Late cancellations (under two hours) will result in the Home Club covering referee fees. Once teams are at the field, only the Referee may cancel the match if deemed unsafe.

Extreme Weather Conditions

CJSL and/or the Games Chairperson, in coordination with the Home Club and referee assignor, may cancel games due to:

  • Heavy rain or torrential downpours

  • Lightning or thunder in the area, as reported by the National Weather Service

  • Snowfall over 2 inches

  • High winds exceeding 30 mph

  • Sleet or ice

  • Extreme cold or heat, as defined by US Soccer Recognize to Recover

Hot Weather Guidelines

Heat impacts performance and safety. Even temperatures in the 60s with high humidity can pose risks.

To manage heat:

  • Mandatory water breaks must be implemented

  • Shortened game durations are recommended when necessary

  • Coaches and Referees should closely monitor players for signs of heat-related illness

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