Highland Park AYSO Region 891 Weather Policy.
- Always assume "game on"! unless you hear from your coach (or division manager for U-5 or VIP) or until a cancellation is posted or communicated via email.
- Please note that game status is subject to change and cancellation updates may not be posted on the website or our facebook page in time for your game. Your coach (or Division Manager for U-5 or VIP) should always have the latest information and will do their best to communicate cancellations or have them posted on the website at www.hpayso.org.
- We cancel games due to: (1) lightning, driving rain, or other conditions making play dangerous or impractical; or (2) ground so wet that play will damage the fields. We don't cancel merely because it's raining or snowing.
- We may cancel games on some fields and not others; cancellation may occur at any time. We strongly advise that coaches and parents exchange cell phone numbers so that notice of last-minute cancellations can spread quickly.
- Cancellations in advance can only be made by our Regional Commissioner. Game-time cancellations on the field can also be made by the coaches or referee based on observed conditions.
- AYSO Region 891 adheres to the AYSO National Guidelines on severe weather. According to these Guidelines, thunder and lightning are treated in THE EXACT SAME MANNER. Our first concern in the presence of lightning is the safety of our players and families. Should lightning be seen or thunder heard, referees will stop the game, and players, spectators and coaches are advised to immediately clear the field and seek shelter in either a vehicle or appropriate structure (trees are not considered safe shelter).
- Games should not resume until 30 minutes have passed from the most recent recognition of either thunder or lightning. Each instance of thunder or lightning during the period of delay will result in a reset of the 30-minute period. Note that in many cases, the initial delay will result in termination of the match because another match is scheduled on the same field.
- We realize that in some instances, it may intuitively appear that the danger is either remote or has passed. Nevertheless, the full 30-minute waiting period shall be observed. Nobody should gamble with the safety of our players, volunteers, and spectators.