Field Closures

The following policy will be followed by all members of CCSL (CCSL coaches and referees).

When the fields are closed, we send alerts through the Playmetrics app and post on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeSoccer/.

During the week, notifications of closures will be made by 4:30 p.m. On the weekends, decisions on field conditions and closures will be made by 7 a.m. CCSL disseminates that information in the Playmetrics app, through email, and on Facebook. Once fields are closed, they do not reopen that day.

If the fields remain open, Coaches can still use their discretion to cancel a practice if they feel the fields are not suitable for practice or playing. Before canceling a game, Coaches MUST communicate with the Rec Director or Travel Director and the Referee Coordinator. Communication to players is the responsibility of the coaches in this situation. Coaches are ultimately responsible for the safety of our players.

Thunder/Lightning

The following procedures will be followed when lightning or thunder is present. This procedure should be put in motion upon the first sound of thunder or first flash of lightning.

1. Clear the field or practice area as quickly as possible. Have players grab their equipment as quickly as possible (if there is an imminent threat, have players clear the field without their equipment).
2. Have players and spectators seek safe shelter as quickly as possible. At Chet Hobert Park there are several shelters you should move to. Do your best not to huddle in groups.
3. Coaches will monitor for the sound of thunder and sight of lightning. All activities must wait a mandatory 30 minutes from the last sound of thunder and/or last sight of lightning. Every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen, you must wait 30 more minutes to resume activities.
4. If the practice is canceled altogether, Coaches should notify parents to ensure safe pick up and at least two adults should remain with the players until every player has been picked up.

Severe Weather

In general, soccer is an outdoor sport. Rain, cold, or heat are not of themselves factors that cause cancellation of a game or practice.  Players should dress appropriately for the weather.

When the fields are not considered "Closed" but there is severe weather, continuing to hold practice is left to the Coaches' discretion. Severe weather includes but is not limited to: heavy rain/snow, hail, extreme cold, extreme heat, thunderstorm and lightning. You must follow CCSL's weather policies, especially for thunderstorms and lightning.

Before canceling a game, Coaches MUST communicate with the Rec Director or Travel Director and the Referee Coordinator. Communication to players and parents is the responsibility of the coaches in this situation.

It is the responsibility of CCSL Coaches to monitor weather conditions and determine whether attending practice would be appropriate for their team. What is fun for one age group may not necessarily be enjoyable for another.

Please consider the following: 

• We are here to help players safely learn and enjoy soccer. All activities should keep that core value in mind.
• Temperature alone will not tell you how you'll feel when you get outside, especially if the wind is blowing.
• Coaches are ultimately responsible for the safety of our players.

Cold Weather

• We should take precautions to keep players warm and dry when outside in extremely cold weather, such as wearing proper clothing and using appropriate equipment. These include: Several layers around the core of the body, Long pants designed to insulate, Long sleeve shirt/sweatshirt/coat designed to insulate and break the wind, Gloves, Ear protection/Hat, Face protection, Wicking socks that do not hold moisture inside.
• Cold exposure/activity requires more energy from the body, however, the thirst reflex is not activated. Take frequent breaks and encourage hydration. 
• Watch for signs of cold stress (wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia). Fatigue, confusion, slurred speech, red or painful extremities, swollen extremities, blurred vision, red watery eyes, dizziness, headache, numbness, tingling of skin and extremities, shivering, uncontrollable shivering etc. are a few warning signs of cold stress. 
• Know and follow US Soccer Guidelines.

Hot Weather

• Players should dress appropriately, wearing clothing that is light-colored and lightweight to facilitate evaporation of sweat.
• We should be aware of high temperatures and humidity and practice/play during cooler portions of the day, such as morning and evening.
• Coaches should adjust their practice plan, take frequent breaks, and encourage hydration during warmer weather, and especially during extreme temperature conditions. Players should have unlimited access to water.
• Watch for signs of heat related illness, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Prevention is key.
• Know and follow US Soccer Guidelines.

Refunds or credits will be issued based off the following. Reference the Calendar of Events for exact dates. 

• If cancelled before March 1 or August 1 (deadlines for Spring and Fall), 100% credit
• If cancelled between March 1-11 (Spring) or between August 1-5 , 50% credit
• If cancelled after any of the previous deadlines, no credit or refund will be issued
• Service/transaction fees ($3) are nonrefundable.