Environmental
Policies

Lightning is one of the leading causes of sudden death in sports, and most of our activities take place outdoors. For that reason, ASC takes lightning and severe weather very seriously.

ASC coaches, referees, team managers, and club administrators share responsibility for suspending or canceling activities when conditions become unsafe. Parents and players are expected to follow all instructions immediately when weather decisions are made.

General Lightning & Storm Protocol

• If thunderstorms are in the area, no outdoor location is truly safe.
• Training and games may be suspended even before lightning is seen or thunder is heard if conditions look threatening.

Everyone must seek safe shelter immediately when play is suspended:

• Best option: a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing.
• Secondary option: a fully enclosed vehicle with a solid metal roof (e.g., car, SUV, bus).
• Unsafe locations include: open fields, metal bleachers, trees, open-sided shelters, tents, and any structure that is not fully enclosed.

ASC staff and coaches will monitor:

• National Weather Service & local radar
• Lightning detection apps/devices (where available)
• Local alerts and warnings

Safe Shelter Expectations

When lightning or severe weather is nearby:

• All players, coaches, referees, and spectators must immediately leave the field and go directly to a safe shelter (vehicle or permanent building).
• Do not remain under trees, in open shelters, or on/near metal structures.
• Teams should not regroup on the sidelines until the all-clear is given.

30-Minute Rule / Restarting Play

Outdoor activity may not resume until 30 minutes after:

• the last observed flash of lightning, or
• the last sound of thunder.

The 30-minute clock resets every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen.

If lightning or thunder continues for an extended period, ASC may cancel training or games for the remainder of the time slot or day, depending on field and schedule conditions.

Lightning Within 10 Miles

If lightning is detected within 10 miles of the facility or match location, or any thunder is heard:

• All games and practices will be immediately suspended.
• Everyone must seek shelter right away as described above.
• Activities will not restart for at least 30 minutes after the last detected strike or last sound of thunder.

Coaches or designated ASC staff will communicate when it is either:

• Safe to return to the fields, or
• Necessary to cancel the remainder of the session or match.

Severe Storms (High Winds, Hail, Heavy Rain)

Severe storms can bring:

• High winds
• Heavy rain / flash flooding
• Hail
• Dangerous lightning

If a severe storm is approaching, identified on radar, or visibly close to the fields:

• Activities may be suspended before the storm arrives to give families time to reach safe shelter or head home.
• All participants are expected to move to their vehicles or a permanent building as directed.
• Avoid trees, tents, metal goals, fences, and other conductive or unstable structures.

ASC will notify coaches and team managers regarding any cancellations or delays, and teams should pass that information on promptly to families via TeamSnap, text, or email.

North Texas heat can be extreme, especially early fall and late spring. Heat-related illnesses—such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke—can be serious and life-threatening if not addressed quickly.

ASC follows U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover heat guidelines and may adjust or cancel sessions based on temperature, humidity, and Heat Index.

General Heat Safety

When training or playing in hot conditions, ASC may:

• Schedule additional water breaks or shorten halves/periods.
• Reduce intensity of training sessions (more technical, less conditioning).
• Modify or cancel sessions during the hottest part of the day.
• Encourage lighter gear (no extra layers, consider lighter colors if possible).

Player & Parent Responsibilities

To help keep players safe, we expect the following:

• Players should arrive well-hydrated and bring plenty of water (not just sports drinks).
• Players should not participate if they feel ill before training (nausea, headache, dizziness).
• Parents and players must communicate immediately if a player feels unwell during training or a match.

Signs of Heat Illness

All coaches, parents, and players should watch for:

• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches or dizziness
• Cramps (legs, stomach, etc.)
• Dry mouth or confusion
• Reduced or no sweating despite heat

If these symptoms appear:

• The player should be removed from activity immediately.
• Move to a cool, shaded area.
• Begin cooling and hydration right away.
• Seek professional medical care if symptoms do not improve quickly or are severe.

Although less frequent, cold weather can also impact player safety and performance.

Cold conditions can lead to:

• Difficulty breathing
• Numbness or loss of feeling in hands, feet, and ears
• Muscle tightness and higher risk of strains or pulls
• Frostbite to exposed skin in severe cases
• Greater risk of injury on frozen or very hard ground

ASC follows U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover cold weather guidance when making decisions about training and games.

General Cold Weather Guidelines

ASC may modify or cancel activities based on:

• Air temperature
• Wind chill
• Wet or icy conditions
• Field surface hardness

Adjustments can include:

• Shorter training sessions or halves
• More frequent warm-up and re-warm-up breaks
• Restricting play for younger age groups at lower temperatures

Recommended Clothing

In cold conditions, players should dress in layers:

• Base layer (moisture-wicking) under jersey and shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts, leggings or thermal pants under uniform
• Gloves and hat/headband that covers the ears
• Soccer-appropriate outerwear when not actively playing

Coaches may require certain layers to be worn if conditions demand.

If a player appears excessively cold, shivering, unable to feel hands/feet, or complaining of pain due to cold, they may be removed from play for safety.

• This policy applies to all Aledo Soccer Club activities: practices, games, camps, and ASC-hosted events.
• Decisions about weather are made with player safety as the top priority, even when that means canceling or modifying sessions.
• Families should always check TeamSnap, club emails, and text updates before leaving for the fields when weather is questionable.
• For detailed medical guidance about heat and cold stress, families should consult their healthcare provider. This policy is informational and does not replace professional medical advice.
• If you have questions about this Inclement Weather Policy, please contact Aledo Soccer Club leadership or your team coach/manager.