Heat & Air Quality Policy
Sierra Gold Soccer aims to keep all players and volunteers safe from excessive heat exposure. Please follow these guidelines and resources below. In the event of excessive heat or smoke, it is up to the coach to cancel practices (they may choose to meet for modified practices) and the club to cancel games, always in the best interest and health and safety of our players. We also encourage parents to play an important role in the safety of their players and decide what is best based on their own circumstances.
WEATHER GUIDELINES
Managing extreme heat is a way of life in our community during the warmer months. As soccer begins during this time, it's imperative that all participants respect the weather and take steps to beat the heat when training:
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after practice. Stay hydrated!
Acclimatization is the body’s natural adaptation to exercising in the heat. Follow acclimatization guidelines and build up fitness levels gradually.
Modify practices when necessary and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Please enforce the the club's Heat & Air Quality Policy below.
Wear sunscreen!
Below is our policy based on Air Quality Index (AQI)
Visit SpareTheAir, IQAir, and PurpleAir to view air quality reports.
Based on the air quality reported by these web sites, we make the following recommendations:
TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES
Coaches and parents should monitor players for signs of heat-related illness: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html
GAMES:
If the temperature at the time and location of the game is between 100-103 degrees (F) as reported by www.weather.gov, coaches are encouraged to monitor players. Coaches should also ensure players are rested, rotated and hydrated. Before the game starts, request additional "hydration breaks" from game officials.
If the temperature at the time and location of the game is greater than 103 as reported by www.weather.gov, then the game MUST be cancelled.
PRACTICE:
If the temperature at the time and location of practice is between 100-103 as reported by www.weather.gov, coaches are strongly encouraged to conduct a limited exertion practice. Coaches are also encouraged to give frequent water breaks, monitor their players closely, or cancel practice all together at their discretion.
If the temperature at the time and location of practice is greater than 103 as reported by www.weather.gov, then practice MUST be cancelled.
FOR TURF FIELDS: If the temperature at the time and place of practice is 100 degrees or greater as reported by www.weather.gov, then practice MUST be cancelled.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
We are Category 3. Use the temperature and humidity to find the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature on the chart, and cancel if you reach the limit, otherwise follow the guidelines laid out.
We also recommend the following weather stations to get data you need for temperature and humidity close to your practice field. When in doubt, or when really close to the limits, cancel practice, as the sensors aren't right on the field. Help us keep our kids safe. In some instances, the club will cancel practices and will notify you and players.
Weather Stations: