PORTAGE SOCCER COMPLEX WEATHER
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Remember to check your email frequently for updates on weather and changes to the game schedule.
PORTAGE SOCCER CLUB SEVERE WEATHER POLICY
The safety of Portage Soccer Club (PSC) players, parents and coaches at PSC activities (training, games and tournaments at the Portage Soccer Complex and Practice Facility) is extremely important. Therefore to ensure the safety of participants and onlookers in the event of severe weather the following policy is implemented.
What is a severe weather event?
Tornado Warning - an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies to warn the public that severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are imminent or occurring. Immediate shelter should be sought.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - an alert issued when trained storm spotters or a Doppler weather radar indicate that a thunderstorm is producing or will soon produce dangerously large hail or high winds, capable of causing significant damage. Immediate shelter should be sought.
High Wind Warning - an alert issued when sustained high winds (40 miles per hour for one hour or more or wind gusts of 58 miles per hour) exist. Immediate shelter should be sought.
What happens at PSC activities when a severe weather event occurs?
Observed lightning or thunder heard will suspend play (training or games) for a period of 30 minutes. All players, coaches, game officials and onlookers shall seek safe shelter in a building or enclosed vehicle. Shelter under pavilions, canopies, awnings or tents is not a safe shelter.
One long blast from an air horn will signal play is to be suspended.
Two short blasts from an air horn will signal all clear.
Additional lightning or thunder will reset the 30 minute waiting period until the threat has passed.
Blue skies and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from rain and it does not have to be raining for lightning to strike.
What happens to a game suspended by a severe weather event?
All league and tournament games will be determined by the respective governing body (league or state) and tournament officials.
In the event of severe weather it is the responsibility of the PSC facilities manager or club president to determine the condition of fields either open or closed. A communication will be sent to PSC coaches. In the event the Practice Facility is open, practice is held unless the coach notifies the team. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform players whether or not practices will be held on days of inclement weather.
Coaches may not cancel games at their own discretion. Games can only be cancelled due to weather by the league, game officials or PSC facilities manager.
Players, coaches and onlookers who fail to comply with this policy may be removed from PSC facilities. Players and coaches who fail to comply with this policy may receive disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from PSC activities.
Adopted by the Portage Soccer Club Board of Directors on September 19, 2018.