At Club Palmyra, the safety and well-being of our players are of utmost importance. The following guidelines outline our approach to managing practices during periods of extreme weather conditions, including severe heat and cold. While we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our players, we recognize and support the ultimate authority of parents to make decisions regarding their children's participation based on their individual circumstances.

1. Extreme Heat Guidelines:

Hydration: Players are encouraged to stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after practice. Water breaks will be increased on extremely hot days.

Clothing: Players should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to assist heat dissipation.

 Timing: Practices may be rescheduled to cooler parts of the day.

 Heat Index Monitoring: Activities will be modified or canceled based on local heat index guidelines. If the local heat index rises to dangerous levels (as advised by local weather authorities), outdoor activities will be postponed or moved indoors.

2. Extreme Cold Guidelines:

Layered Clothing: Players are advised to wear multiple layers of clothing to retain body heat, including gloves and hats when necessary.

Exposure Time: Duration of outdoor activities will be reduced during extremely cold weather. Consideration will be given to the wind-chill factor, and activities will be adjusted accordingly.

Indoor Options: Whenever possible, practices may be moved indoors to ensure player comfort and safety.

 Monitoring: The club will monitor weather forecasts and issue updates if conditions are expected to be unsuitable for outdoor play.

3. Lightning Safety Protocol:

Detection of Lightning: If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of the field location, all outdoor soccer activities must be immediately suspended.

Delay and Resumption of Activities: After the last lightning strike is observed, a mandatory delay of 30 minutes will be enforced before any soccer activities can resume. The 30-minute countdown will restart with each subsequent lightning strike within the 10-mile radius.

Cancellation of Activities: If the storm persists or the conditions are deemed unsafe for continuation, the decision to cancel the day's activities will be made by the coaches based on the weather forecast and safety considerations.

4. Parental Decision:

We understand and respect that parents are best positioned to determine their child's ability to participate in club activities during extreme weather conditions. Club Palmyra fully supports parents' decisions to withhold their child from practice if they are concerned about their child's health and safety.

We encourage parents to communicate with coaches about any decision to miss practice due to weather conditions to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made and there is no miscommunication.

5. Communication:

Coaches will communicate updates regarding  changes to practice schedules.

Our commitment to the health and safety of our players is paramount. By following these guidelines, we aim to provide a safe environment that allows our players to thrive, regardless of weather conditions. As always we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all families.