Weather conditions are the responsibility of the game officials, coaches, tournament directors and club administrators. All should be aware of the potential dangers posed by different weather conditions and work together to keep the players and other participants as safe as possible. If the weather conditions warrant, game officials and coaches should discuss before the game starts what the procedures will be to insure the safety of the players.  NYSA Weather Policy is based on   Mass Youth Soccer Weather Policy   Highlights Below:

 

Severe Storms: If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees, and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended, ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into their cars.

 

Thunder & Lightning: If lightning is within five miles, with or without hearing thunder, the game(s) or practice(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector or similar app can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!

Northborough Youth Soccer recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles.  Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc, should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.

 

 

HOT & COLD WEATHER REFERENCE TEMPS

 

Documentation of Field Inspection: All times EST

Decision Process: The fields will be evaluated by the Field Maintenance Board Member. If the Field Maintenance Board Member is unavailable, the responsibility will fall to the Field Coordinator Board Member.  If the Field Coordinator Board Member is also unavailable, the responsibility will fall to the Referee Coordinator Board Member.

• The Board Member who inspects the Fields will have final determination of the Field Status. NYSA President should always be informed of the decision before it is made public.  NYSA President can also be consulted.
• The Final Field Status will be made with consideration of upcoming weather forecasts via weather apps, lightning strike notifications, available rainfall data, and visual inspections.
• Field Hotline will be shown as 'TBD' until a decision has been made, and updated accordingly once a decision has been made.

 

For Practice Days:    Fields will be evaluated between 12PM-2PM, with a final determination made no later than 2PM.

For Game Days:  (BAYS Match Rule 8): The determination that a field is unplayable is not the decision of the home team coach. A designated official of the home team’s sponsoring organization must make the decision. Referees or coaches cannot declare a field playable that an organization has declared unplayable. See Decision Process above.

• Fields will be evaluated with a determination by 6:30AM for all games prior to 12PM. The home team coach shall notify the away team by 7AM.
• Fields will be evaluated with a determination by 9:30AM for all games post 12PM. The home team coach shall notify the away team by 10AM.
• Weekday games will follow the same procedures as “Practice Days” and field determinations will be made no later than 2pm.
• In situations where field conditions deteriorate before or during a game, the referee has final authority to declare a field unplayable at any point. The referee is required to file a game report detailing the circumstances and the Division Director will follow the Guidelines for Terminated and Abandoned Matches to determine the game outcome and next steps.