Rapids Inclement Weather Policy

Rapids FC uses the rules established by the GVSA’s Inclement Weather Policy to decide what happens in case of inclement weather on a practice or game day, as outlined below.

PRACTICES

Any Rapids team practice in progress (or prior to starting) may be suspended or delayed for inclement or severe weather. The occurrence of thunder or lightning will cause the practice to be stopped or delayed for 30 minutes from the time the lightning is LAST seen or thunder LAST heard. FOR EACH reoccurrence of either, the timed delay/stoppage will be reset to 30 minutes. There are no exceptions to this rule. Please find cover for your players during these delays to ensure their safely, and promptly call parents to come pick up players if practice will not resume.  The safety of the players and coaches is our first priority.

All practices will be cancelled in the event of a tornado watch or warning.

If there is no sign of thunder or lightning, practice may still be cancelled due to unsafe field conditions.  Coaches will be notified prior to practice times via email if a particular practice location is closed.

GAMES

Any GVSA sanctioned game in progress (or prior to starting) may be suspended or delayed for inclement or severe weather. The occurrence of thunder or lightning will cause the game to be stopped or delayed for 30 minutes from the time the lightning is LAST seen or thunder LAST heard. FOR EACH reoccurrence of either, the timed delay/stoppage will be reset to 30 minutes. There are no exceptions to this rule. Team representatives (NOT THE REFEREES) should consult the GVSA rules for what is considered to be a completed game.   No game shall be suspended for longer than 90 minutes.

If there is a game scheduled to start directly after the suspended game then this game shall not be delayed beyond 30 minutes from the scheduled start time, or the delayed/suspended game will be terminated. Team officials are responsible for directing their respective teams to their cars, transport or proper shelter. THIS IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REFEREE CREW. If the match is abandoned because of inclement weather, write down on the match report the time that had been played, and the score (as well as any misconducts or send offs that may have occurred) at the time the match was abandoned. MAKE SURE THE PLAYER PASSCARDS ARE RETURNED. If you take them with you, you will be responsible to get them back to the team within 24 hours given that they may have a match the next day.