Inclement Weather Policy

Parent Discretion & Attendance

Parental judgment always comes first. Practice is never mandatory. If you feel weather conditions in the area are unsafe or unsuitable for your athlete, please keep them home.

Severe Weather & Lightning (10-Mile Policy)

Safety is our primary concern. We utilize the WeatherBug lightning map to monitor real-time conditions.

• If lightning strikes occurs within 10 miles of our location, practice is immediately suspended.

• Practice will remain paused until lightning moves on our outside the 10-mile radius.

• If severe weather persists, athletes will be moved to a covered shelter at Wills Park until picked up.

• We monitor current lightning conditions and use radar apps to track approaching storms. For example, if lightning is within 10 miles but radar shows the storm is moving away with no additional severe weather behind it, we will wait to see if practice can resume. However, we will cancel practice if more storms are approaching and there is no expectation of clear weather within a reasonable amount of time.

Weather & Air Quality Guidelines

• Rain: We run in light to moderate rain. Practice may be canceled or shortened in cases of heavy downpours or poor visibility.

• Cold Weather: We run in cold weather. Athletes must wear layers, including gloves and a hat/headband, and bring warm outer layers for before and after practice.

• Air Quality (AQI) & Smoke: We monitor local Air Quality Index levels. Workouts will be modified or canceled if the AQI exceeds safe thresholds for youth athletes (AQI > 100).

• Extreme Heat: Hydration breaks are increased on high-heat days, and workout intensity is adjusted based on heat index guidelines.

Communications & Cancellations

Because summer storms and rain in the area are often localized, decisions are frequently made on-site.

• Advance Cancelations: If conditions allow us to cancel early, we will issue an email and a Remind text.

• Last-Minute Cancelations: Coach Matthew will be at Wills Park for every scheduled session. If practice must be canceled last minute due to sudden storms, an immediate Remind text will be sent out.