Inclement Weather Protocols
Inclement weather protocols for youth sports are critical to ensure the safety of all participants, coaches, and spectators. These protocols typically cover a range of weather conditions, including thunderstorms, lightning, extreme heat, heavy rain, and cold temperatures. Here’s an overview of these protocols:
1. Thunderstorms and Lightning
**Note: While we often do, we are not bound to follow the same closings, cancellations, and delays as Madison County Public Schools.
**For all MCPRA-sponsored programs and athletics, the decision made by Parks and Rec supersedes any decision by a coach or commissioner. Under no circumstance should facilities or fields be used by MCPRA-sponsored programs if canceled by our organization.
1. Thunderstorms and Lightning
- Immediate Suspension: Activities should be suspended immediately if lightning is detected within 10 miles. If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately.
- Safe Shelter: Move everyone to a safe indoor location, such as a building or a vehicle. Avoid open fields, trees, and metal objects.
- Resumption of Play: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming activities.
- Helpful Apps: The WeatherBug app has a lightning map with a safety radius and a lightning alert. This app is helpful in seeing lightning strikes in the area that may not be visible on the field, and alerting you if a storm is approaching.
- Heat Index Monitoring: Monitor the heat index (temperature and humidity) to determine the risk level. MCPRA has approved Heat Guidelines that can be found on their website.
- Hydration Breaks: Provide frequent hydration breaks, ideally every 15-20 minutes, and encourage players to drink water even if they are not thirsty.
- Modified Practice/Play: Adjust practice intensity and duration based on the heat index. In extreme conditions, consider canceling activities.
- Cooling Stations: Set up cooling stations with fans, ice towels, and shade.
- Field Conditions: Inspect fields for waterlogging, muddy patches, and poor visibility. Play should be suspended if the field is unsafe or unplayable.
- Postponements: If heavy rain persists, activities should be postponed or canceled to prevent injuries and field damage.
- Wind Chill Factor: Monitor wind chill in addition to temperature. MCPRA has approved Cold Weather Guidelines that can be found on their website.
- Layered Clothing: Ensure participants are dressed in layers and wear appropriate cold-weather gear, including hats and gloves.
- Shortened Exposure: Limit the duration of outdoor exposure, and provide warming areas for players and spectators.
- Air Quality Index (AQI) Monitoring: Activities should be adjusted or canceled if the AQI reaches unhealthy levels. This is particularly important during wildfires or pollution spikes.
- Protocols: MCPRA will make all cancellations prior to 4:00pm. Registered participants will be notified via email and text message through Active Camp and Class Manager, and it will be posted on the MCPRA Facebook page. Registered coaches will receive the email via CCM. Coaches are encouraged to text and email their teams directly.
- On-Site Decisions: After 4:00pm, coaches will determine whether or not to practice based on conditions and the guidelines set above. Coaches are directly responsible for notifying team members.
- Weekends: All decisions by Parks and Recreation regarding current field conditions will be made by 8:00am. Registered coaches and participants will be notified via email and text, and it will be posted on the MCPRA Facebook page. Any weather-related changes that occur after 8:00am will be determined by the Commissioner. In the event of dangerous weather conditions, all patrons should return to their vehicles immediately. Coaches should notify the Commissioner and wait for instructions on when and if to resume play.
- First Aid Readiness: All coaches should receive a First aid kit. Please make sure your supplies are readily available. Coaches are highly encouraged to become First Aid, CPR, and AED certified.
- Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts and local emergency services on hand.
**Note: While we often do, we are not bound to follow the same closings, cancellations, and delays as Madison County Public Schools.
**For all MCPRA-sponsored programs and athletics, the decision made by Parks and Rec supersedes any decision by a coach or commissioner. Under no circumstance should facilities or fields be used by MCPRA-sponsored programs if canceled by our organization.
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