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Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather Policy

Coach/Manager: In the event that a game needs to be stopped due to inclement weather, lightning, etc, one or all of the following methods will instruct you:

  • Notified by tournament official and or field marshals
  • Referees on the field
  • Air Horn

​The tournament director will continue update the manager and coach via GOTSOCCER text message and the tournament website.

In the event of Lightning REMOVE ALL PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS TO THEIR CARS AND wait 30 minutes after lighting strike before the games will be restarted. DO NOT LEAVE THE COMPLEX!

In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning: all fields will be cleared until the local National Weather Service lifts the warning. DO NOT LEAVE THE COMPLEX (unless otherwise notified by the Tournament Director)

In the event of a Tornado Warning: all fields will be cleared until the local National Weather Service lifts the warning.

Extreme Cold

In the event that the local air temperature or wind-chill index dips to or below 36°F the following guidelines will take effect:

  • 33°F and above - No action taken
  • 32°F and below - Air temperature or wind-chill Index 2 hours prior to game time; The tournament may cancel or delay games & outdoor activities- the tournament will notify will notify teams and referees.

**Please understand that moisture (rain or snow) will impact all decisions on delaying or canceling games.

Extreme Heat

In the event that the air temperature rises to or above 90°F the following guidelines will take effect:

  • 90°F and below - No action taken
  • Between 90°F and 100°F - Enforced 2-minute water breaks during each half 100°F and above - Projected air temperature or Heat Index at game time may cancel or delay games & outdoor activities- the tournament will notify teams and referees.

Re-Entry on the Fields: The air horns/sirens will sound again or a tournament official will inform you when everything is "all clear." You should then return to the field. If it is necessary for you to check with Tournament Headquarters regarding this situation, we ask that only one team official go to the headquarters tent. If your team/player is on the field while the “prior to the ALL CLEAR” your team may be asked to leave the tournament and all your games will be forfeited. No refund is given.

Communication to teams: The tournament will use one or all-3 ways to communicate to all teams and spectators: Email or text message from event via GOTSOCCER System Phone Call from tournament official or club official website update.

Security Plan

Tournament Officials: All staff in identifying (Kickers gray shirt or bright yellow shirt) apparel with 2-way radios.

Trainers: (up to 4) Onsite during event hours

Weather Monitoring: National Weather Service, Weather Bug Sparkz

Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at their respective field site, ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the match. Only the Tournament Director(s) may cancel or postpone a match. Referees may suspend a match only.

In case of severe weather, in his/her discretion, Tournament Director(s) may cancel any and all games. In case of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the Tournament Director(s) may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel the game.

Should a match be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the match will be considered official and the score at the time will stand. If a match is terminated prior to 20 minutes of play, every attempt will be made to complete the match. However, if necessary other means, determined by the Tournament Director(s), may be used to determine a winner. Referees and field marshals will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists.