Introduction
The BRYC Weather Policy prioritizes the safety of players, coaches, referees, and spectators by providing clear guidelines for weather-related decisions. Extreme conditions – from heat to lightning – are addressed to ensure a safe playing environment.
All fields under BRYC's usage are given to us by the Fairfax County Park and Recreation Department. All county field permits state:
"Fields and facilities are NOT to be used when conditions are such that said use is likely to cause injury to participants or result in damage to the playing surface...."
Decision-Making & Authority
BRYC Officials: Final authority on field closures and game cancellations. In the event of league-wide cancellations due to weather, families will receive an email notifying them of the cancellation.
Referees: Suspend or cancel games based on real-time conditions.
Coaches: Monitor conditions and enforce safety protocols.
Lightning & Thunderstorms
When a storm is approaching, monitor the situation carefully. No place outside is safe near a thunderstorm. The activity with the fastest rising lightning casualty rate is outdoor sports and recreation.
At the first sign of thunder or lightning, all activities must be suspended immediately.
Fields must be cleared, and players, coaches, and spectators must seek safe shelter indoors or inside vehicles with closed windows. When seeking shelter, avoid the most dangerous locations: higher elevations, open areas (including fields), tall isolated objects (such as trees, poles, or light posts), unprotected open buildings (pavilions, picnic shelters, or bus stops), and metal fences or bleachers.
No one should remain on the field, under trees, near metal fences, or in open areas.
Coaches and referees must follow this protocol and are not permitted to override weather-related suspensions.
30-Minute Rule for Resuming Play:
Activities may resume only after 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning strike or thunder clap. Each additional occurrence resets the 30-minute countdown before play can safely resume.