WEATHER GUIDELINES

At Coastal FC, our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our players and coaches. Fall and winter conditions can quickly affect field conditions or lead to closures (e.g., heavy rain, snow).

Please remember to check the following BEFORE for each Training/Game.
- Coaches check your email and social media for weather-related cancellations before training and games.
- Parents check your team group chats and emails for weather-related cancellations before training and games.
- Avoid emailing the club for cancellation inquiries; notifications will be emailed to Team Coaches, Managers & Program Managers.
- Coastal FC and BC Soccer used the Weather Network Website to determine current weather conditions.
- Feel free to download the Weather Network App for iPhone or Android.

Weather Communication

Weather Cancellations/Updates will be sent to Team Coaches/Staff via Email
Coastal FC will post Generalized Weather Cancellations/Updates on social media and the club website.
Coastal FC will give as much notice as possible for schedule changes due to weather, but please understand that weather conditions can be unpredictable and can change at any time.
Training updates will be posted by 3:00 PM on the session/game day.
Game changes or cancellations may be announced:
- The night before, The morning of, sometimes, even at game time or at fields

Rain (Grass Fields)

Rain is the main factor that affects grass fields.
The City of Surrey Park Staff assesses grass fields on Thursdays.
Grass fields must be closed if there is standing water.
The City of Surrey Parks will decide if grass fields are closed or left to the Club's discretion.
Playing on wet grass fields can damage the grass, as cleats tear up the roots.
In colder temperatures, grass stops growing, making it harder to recover from damage.

Rain (Turf Fields)

Turf fields are less affected by rain and remain playable in most conditions.
There’s no need to close turf fields due to standing water, as they drain efficiently.
Turf surfaces are more durable and not damaged by cleats like grass fields.
Turf fields can be used year-round, even in colder temperatures, as they don’t rely on grass growth.
Wet conditions do not impact the playability or long-term condition of turf fields.

Lightning/Thunder

Follow the 30/30 Rule for lightning safety:
- After seeing lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder.
- If the time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter immediately.
- Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter.
If you cannot see lightning, hearing thunder is a reliable indicator to follow the rule.
For more information, review the Canada Soccer Lightning Safety/ Severe Weather Policy

Snow/Frozen Ground

Snow forecast or snow-covered fields will result in cancellations.
Frozen ground conditions will be evaluated by Club Operations staff to determine field closures.
Important message from the City of Surrey:
- If fields are frozen or snow-covered, they must be closed. This applies to both grass and artificial turf fields.
- Do not shovel snow off artificial turf fields for practices or games, as this can damage the surface.
- Freezing conditions can create ice beneath the snow, making the field unsafe.
- Shoveling snow can also lead to loss of rubber infill, which is important for turf field maintenance.
- Only authorized City staff are permitted to clear snow from fields when conditions allow.

Air Quality/Smoke

Coastal FC will use BC Soccer Air Quality Safety Guidelines
Step 1. Incorporating AQHI into your training practices
- a. Access the latest AQHI calculations
- b. If air quality is “3” or below continue with training as normal.
- c. If air quality is an index of 4 – 6 then be prepared to adjust the practice by:
  - • Reducing the intensity.
  - • Reducing the duration of the practice.
  - • Providing resting periods. d. If air quality is “7” or above reschedule.
Step 2. Be aware of weather and other conditions:
- a. Current forest fires and their locations in the province.
- b. Local burning of stubble on fields or agricultural fields – these can increase particulate matter in the air without impacting the AQHI for a city.
- c. Sudden and dramatic changes in wind strength and direction.
- d. Proximity of any major road or highway.
- e. Near or downwind of any industrial areas or other significant emission sources.
Step 3. BC Health Services maintains an Air Quality Advisory website. The Vancouver SE site is helpful for planning your outdoor event. https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi.html?id=AQHI-METRO_VANCOUVER_SE

Heat/Hot Temperatures

Coastal FC will use BC Soccers Extreme Heat Guidelines
Step 1 – Determine Location Go to https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca and find your specific location.
Step 2 – Determine Temperature (Projected Temperature) Check the current temperature witha specific focus on the “feels like” temperature which accounts for the humidity in measuring temperature
Step 3 – Review the EHE Activity Chart (below) for appropriate Activity Modifications. Extreme Heat Events(EHE) Activity Chart

Step 4 – Games, Tournament Play, Training and Practices
- Where possible, matches should be scheduled for cooler times of the day.
  - Playing in hot conditions both increases the risk of heat illness and impairs performance. Event organizers should attempt to organize matches at a time where less heat stress and exposure is expected. They should reschedule matches where the heat stress is extreme.
- Important notes related to game play:
  - The match official (registered referee) reserves the final right to cancel the game if the conditions are considered dangerous, in their opinion.
  - Referee to write on game sheet reason for an abandonment with EHE Humidity Value, time & date and number calculated.
  - If temperature increases dramatically during a game referees and team officials are advised to use their discretion. Record all decisions and relevant information on the game sheet.
  - If possible, attempt to modify playing surfaces, natural surfaces will radiate less heat