The Aptos Soccer Club policy is to attempt to play all games when possible. Since soccer can often be safely played in the rain, the mere presence of rain does not mean that games will be canceled. The league administration or the field locations are the only ones permitted to call off games in advance. This decision will be based on field conditions, weather forecast and the recent weather patterns. At the field, officials and coaches can cancel a game based on current field and weather conditions. Light rain is not a reason to cancel a game. Many times, soccer games played in the rain become the most memorable games of the season. When player safety is not a concern, try to play the game.

If thunderstorms or lightning are present, then the game should be immediately cancelled or stopped if in progress. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) position is that if you can hear thunder, you are within reach of lightning and that referees/coaches must protect the safety of all participants by stopping game activities quickly, so that participants and spectators may retire to a safer place before the lightning threat becomes significant. Applying the 30-30 rule is recommended and to wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving the shelter.

Reasons for canceling games:

1.  The field is closed by the County or school. The County of Santa Cruz oversees the Polo Grounds fields and tends to be very protective during rainy periods. Please call the Athletic Fields Hotline at (831) 454-7906 option 3 to check the status of the Polo Grounds fields. At the schools, the Club will work with the individual school to decide if it’s safe and okay to use the field. If a school field is closed, no game may be played. An email will immediately be sent directly to all coaches.

2.  It has rained most of the night before the scheduled game and it is still raining in the morning.

3.  It has rained for several days prior to the scheduled game and the fields are wet to the point where playing the game will destroy the playing surface.

4.  The presence of thunderstorms and lightning.

5.  It is raining heavily at the time of the scheduled game and/or the temperature is low enough to make conditions unbearable for the children.

Due to field availability and time constraints, Aptos Soccer Club will not guarantee that matches that become rained-out will be rescheduled. The Club will attempt to update the website with field or weather cancellations but due to the constant change of weather/field conditions, this information may not be the latest. Coaches should lead communication with their players. If the website doesn't indicate any adverse weather conditions, postponements, or cancellation then everyone should assume that all matches for that day are being played as scheduled.