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.
To notify the CJSL and the referee assignor- complete the Weather Game Cancel Form.
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 temperature as defined by US Soccer Recognize to Recover
Hot Weather Guidelines
Hydrate early and often: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Use rest & cooling breaks: Increase frequency as heat and humidity rise.
Monitor heat index: High humidity greatly increases heat-illness risk.
Watch for symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache, or cramps require immediate removal from play.
Cool immediately: Shade, cold towels/ice, fans, and fluids.
When in doubt, stop play: Heat illness can escalate quickly and is preventable.
Cold Weather Safety Guidelines
Stay dry: Wet clothing increases risk of cold injury—change clothes if wet.
Dress in layers: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, wind/water-resistant outer layer.
Monitor wind chill: Wind greatly increases cold stress and frostbite risk.
Stay hydrated: Cold masks dehydration—drink fluids regularly.
Act on warning signs: Severe shivering, confusion, or lethargy = move to warmth immediately.
Sideline precautions: Use blankets, warming breaks, and adjust play as needed.