Inclement Weather Guidelines & Communication Processes
Our first priority in any weather-related decisions is our players’ safety. Our goal is always to play through any weather conditions; however, if weather forecasts, field and/or driving conditions jeopardize our players’ safety, we will cancel.
Cold Weather Protocol
Our first priority in any weather-related decisions is our players’ safety. Our goal is always to play through any weather conditions; however, if weather forecasts, field and/or driving conditions jeopardize our players’ safety, we will cancel.
In order to prevent cold weather injury and provide for the safety of One Knox players, the following protocol will be followed:
- Players should arrive at training and match play with proper attire including warmups, hats, and/or gloves. Limit the amount of cotton you wear, as it has a tendency to retain moisture.
- If the wind chill temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, all outdoor team training sessions will be canceled for all age groups.
- If the National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Advisory or Warning, outdoor team training sessions may be limited to no more than 60 minutes (decision to be made and communicated by Club Leadership). Matches can be a day-of decision.
*One Knox reserves the right to cancel outdoor training and games for select teams and age groups even if conditions do not meet the above if the club determines cancelation is in the safest interest of players and coaches*
The chart below from National Weather Service should act as a guide for determining temperature with wind chill taken into account.
Warm Weather Protocol
The One Knox Warm Weather Protocol, in-line with US Soccer guidelines, is intended to serve as a guide for regulating match play, practice sessions, hydration breaks and participant safety during extremely hot conditions.
The chart below from National Weather Service should act as a guide for determining temperature with humidity taken into account.
Once heat index is determined based on chart above, all One Knox teams should follow the guidelines below:
- Heat Index Greater than 104 degrees F:
- No outdoor training allowed.
- Heat index between 98-103 degrees F:
- Maximum of 90 minutes of training with minimum of four separate four-minute breaks each hour
- Heat index between 94-97 degrees F:
- Maximum of two hours of training with minimum of three separate four-minute breaks each hour, OR a 10-minute break every 30 minutes of training
- Heat index between 90-93 degrees F:
- Three separate three-minute breaks each hour, OR a 12-minute break every 40 minutes of training
Lightning Protocol
If lightning occurs within 10 miles of a facility where One Knox training or matches are being held, all play is immediately suspended until there is no lightning within 10 miles.
For every lightning strike or thunder within 10 miles training or matches must be suspended for 30 minutes before returning to play.