WEATHER POLICIES
Lightning
1. Upon first detection of thunder or lightning, all involved in the activity must leave the field immediately and seek shelter in a hard-topped all-metal vehicle or a completely enclosed building – NOT under a tree, NOT in a carport, NOT in an open garage, NOT under a covered patio or pavilion, etc.
2. If the activity is not postponed to another day it will be continued after the thunder/lightning, you must stay sheltered until at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder or seeing the last lightning strike (whichever came last).
3. No one (coach, referee, Middleton Soccer Club Administrator, etc.) has the authority to override this policy.
At Foote Park and Middleton Place Park, there is NOT access to a completely enclosed building. Therefore, you must shelter in a hard-topped all-metal vehicle; huddle all the people into the available vehicles to ensure everyone is safe, regardless of how tight it may be
​Why leave the fields if I only hear thunder but don’t see any lightning?
According to US Youth Soccer:
Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside, at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren't worth death or crippling injury.
· All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.
· Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter.
· You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.
· Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects.
· Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety!
Blue Skies and Lightning
Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky.
Stay Safe!
Extreme Heat
In high temperatures, players need to be given adequate water breaks of 3-4 minutes, practice times should be reduced, and if temperatures exceed 100 degrees, practices should be canceled unless a team has taken the appropriate steps to become acclimated.
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Extreme Cold
We all know that soccer can be cold and wet. Sometimes that’s part of the joy, but other times it’s just not safe. To put player health and safety first, Middleton Soccer Club has adopted the following policies:
Temperature 46°F and above: no change
Temperature 35-45°F: practices and games held with players wearing additional appropriate clothing such as long sleeves (under jerseys for a game), extra socks, long pants, hat or headband, gloves. Hooded sweatshirts are discouraged due to safety.
​Temperature below 35°F: practices and games scheduled by MSC and MSC coaches will be cancelled.
Air Quality
MSC will follow IYSA’s protocol for Air Quality.
Green (0-50) and Yellow (51-100) - all practices and games as scheduled
Orange (101-150) - Practices and games may occur at the discretion of the club or league, however those players that are unhealthy or are sensitive to air quality should not participate. MSC will leave these practice decisions up to coaches. Coaches may opt to limit vigorous aerobic activity. Parents may also choose to restrict their child’s participation if needed.
Red/Purple/Maroon (151 and above) - MANDATORY - NO PRACTICES OR GAMES.
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Current Air Quality Index (AQI)
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