Weather Safety Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants during training and matches in adverse weather conditions.

2. General Principle

Safety comes first. Activities will be modified, postponed, or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.

3. Responsibility

Committee: Oversight
Coaches & Team Managers: On-ground decisions
Referees: Match authority
Parents/Guardians: Monitor player wellbeing

4. Hot Weather

• 30–34°C: Modify activity
• 35°C and above: Cancel or postpone

Mandatory water breaks, reduced intensity, and the use of shaded areas where possible.

5. Cold & Wet Weather

Activities may proceed unless conditions are deemed unsafe. Training or matches may be cancelled where playing surfaces become slippery, visibility is reduced, or participant safety is compromised.

6. Lightning & Storms

• Stop activities immediately if lightning is sighted or thunder is heard.
• Move all participants to appropriate shelter.
• Activities may only resume after 30 minutes have passed without further lightning or thunder.
  
  

7. Air Quality

Activities may be modified or cancelled where air quality is considered poor or hazardous, particularly for younger participants and those with respiratory conditions.

8. Ground Conditions

Activities will be cancelled if playing surfaces are unsafe, waterlogged, or closed by the relevant council or facility manager.

9. Communication

Coaches and Team Managers will communicate cancellations or modifications through team communication channels. Club-wide updates may also be issued via the website, email, and social media platforms.

10. Authority to Cancel

The Club Committee, Coaches, and Referees have the authority to modify, suspend, or cancel activities where safety concerns exist.

11. Quick Reference Guide

35°C+	Cancel or Postpone
Lightning / Thunder	Stop Immediately
Unsafe Ground	Cancel Activity
Poor Air Quality	Modify or Cancel