CSL’s Weather Policy is enforced to maintain the safety of players, coaches, referees, and spectators in scenarios of rain, winter weather, heat, lightning, thunder and any other circumstances that are deemed unsafe.
CSL field closure decisions are made by the CSL Board of Directors. CSL Board of Directors will aim to send an update notification to participants if a scheduled activity is canceled on days of inclement weather no later than 7:00 am.
If an update notification is not sent, please proceed with the understanding that the activity is on as scheduled. It is always safe to check in with your coach if there is any uncertainty.
You can also check the Churchland Hotline for field closures at (757) 484-4209.
If the weather conditions evolve after an activity has started, CSL coaches and Board members are trained to monitor and make decisions onsite to support the safety of all participants.
Please support and adhere to the below policies. Anyone not following these guidelines, who chooses to remain outdoors or in an inappropriate area or shelter, do so at their own risk. All individuals have the right to not attend or leave an activity at any time, without fear of repercussion or penalty, if they feel unsafe or in danger from weather-related circumstances.
Rain Policy
Churchland fields are monitored daily by the CSL Board and staff. Rain can impact the safety of participants and families due to water-soaked fields. Heavy rain may cause limited visibility, health concerns or transportation issues, among other items.
When practicing in cold temperatures with rain, players are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing to aid body heat retention and wick water yet allow for adequate movement without creating a safety hazard.
Reasons for NOT using wet fields:
The use of sports fields when the turf is wet creates ruts, worn areas, and compacts the soil, which reduces turf grass growth (i.e. goal mouth areas). This use results in long-term damage to the turf, which reduces the quality of the playing surface. These problems create unsafe playing conditions and impact field availability, which results in lengthy and costly maintenance repairs to the fields.
Inclement weather sports field usage guidelines:
- The onus is on the user group to assess playability, when deciding to use a field after or during rain:
- If there is standing water, i.e., puddles of water on the field -- do not use the field.
- If water squishes under foot when you walk on the turf – do not use the field.
- Play it safe – if unsure on whether to play or not error on the side of caution and do not play.
On days of inclement weather, please monitor CSL channels (website, email, Facebook, Instagram, GroupMe) for updates or call the Churchland Hotline for field closures at (757) 484-4209.
Winter Weather Policy
Churchland fields are monitored daily by the CSL Board and staff. CSL activities will be cancelled if the projected temperature (including wind chill) at the beginning of training is projected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter weather can impact the safety of participants and families due to snow-covered/water-soaked fields, cold temperatures, and transportation issues, among other items.
When practicing in colder temperatures, players are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing (including warmups, hats, and/or gloves) to aid body heat retention yet allow for adequate movement without creating a safety hazard. Limit the amount of cotton you wear, as it has a tendency to retain moisture.
On days of inclement weather, please monitor CSL channels (website, email, Facebook, Instagram, and GroupMe) for updates or call the Churchland Hotline for field closures at (757) 484-4209.
Heat Policy
Churchland fields are monitored daily by the CSL Board and staff. CSL activities may be cancelled if the heat index at the beginning of training is projected to be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (this is dependent on location of program, intensity of training, access to shade, age of participants & more).
Summer and warm weather can impact the safety of participants and families causing heat-illness conditions.
When practicing in warmer temperatures, players are encouraged to hydrate ahead of activities, bring extra water, take additional water breaks throughout (in shaded areas if available), and exercise caution if not feeling well.
The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. Use the chart below from the National Weather Service to determine the heat index.
Once heat index is determined based on chart above, all CSL teams should follow the guidelines below:
- Reschedule practice for a cooler time or cancel training.
On days of inclement weather, please monitor CSL channels (website, email, Facebook, Instagram, and GroupMe) for updates or call the Churchland Hotline for field closures at (757) 484-4209.
Lightning Policy
Churchland fields are monitored daily by the CSL Board and staff. CSL activities will be cancelled if lightning thunderstorms are projected to occur throughout the duration of a given session.
Local lightning will always be considered hazardous. In the event of lightning or thunder all play must stop. Retreat to a building or car (not a convertible). Lightning can strike up to 6 miles away from the base of the thunderstorm. Play may resume after 30 minutes from the last evidence of lightning or thunder.
In most cases, whenever lighting can be seen and/or thunder can be heard, the risk is already present and individuals should seek a safe location. Stop play and do not resume play for 30 minutes from the last seen flash or last sound of thunder.
We encourage all CSL members to be part of the solution in keeping everyone safe. If you hear thunder or see lightning, please approach the coaches, or team manager advising them of your observation in that they may have not seen or heard it themselves.
Program leads and coaching staff are instructed to monitor lightning strikes. The time from the sight of lightning to the sound of thunder may be used (50 seconds or less = 10 miles or less).
- All training sessions and games will be delayed for 30 minutes at the first lightning strike within 10 miles.
- The 30-minute delay will restart every time lightning strikes within 10 miles.
- Players, parents, and spectators are not to return to the fields until a full 30 minutes has passed without a lightning strike within 10 miles.
- Clear sky, blue sky, and sun shining does not mean the area is safe to resume practice and games!
- All practice sessions will finish at their designated time unless field space and coaches’ availability permit for a practice extension.
- Games may be cancelled for any lightning strike within 10 miles after the initial 30-minute delay.
On days of inclement weather, please monitor CSL channels (website, email, Facebook, Instagram, and GroupMe) for updates or call the Churchland Hotline for field closures at (757) 484-4209.