Weather Policy

Always assume "game on" unless you hear from your coach, or until a cancellation is posted online or sent via league-wide email.

Check the PHMSA website for announcements and Field Status.

Rain Policy*:

Practices and games may be canceled due to (1) driving rain, or other conditions making play dangerous or impractical; (2) standing water on the field; or (3) ground so wet that play will damage the fields. We don't cancel merely because it is or was raining.

Air Quality Policy*:

The following guidelines are used based on the observed Air Quality Index (AQI):
0-50 = games and practices proceed as normal
50-100 = games and practices may proceed with adjustments
100-120 = games canceled; practices may proceed with adjustments
120+ = games and practices canceled

Excessive Heat Policy*:

Heat injuries can be one of the most common injuries to occur in youth soccer players and volunteers, with risks ranging from dehydration, to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, to a heat stroke, all of which present with different symptoms. Proper hydration is essential to help combat these injuries from occurring and it is essential that hydration starts 24 hours in advance of the event. Increased water intake in advance of and during events helps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for players, volunteers, as well as spectators. Parents: Always ensure your player(s) bring a water container of their own to all practices and games.

Additional information about heat-related injuries and illnesses, including signs & symptoms as well as what to do, is available here.

Shortening/Cancellation of Region 281 Practices and Games due to Excessive Heat:

Temperature will be based off the highest temperature in the PHMSA region. Martinez is often a few degrees cooler than Pleasant Hill, however most of our fields are in Pleasant Hill.

PHMSA uses Weather Underground for all temperature forecasts.

Practices for all Divisions (6U - 19U)
● 92-97°F - Coaches shall encourage increased water intake, take breaks in the shade where available, decrease strenuous activity and focus on skill based learning.
● 97-101°F - Practices shortened to a maximum of 40 minutes. Coaches shall take frequent water breaks, take breaks in the shade where available, decrease strenuous activity and focus on tactical and technical skills.
● 102°F and above – Fields closed, practices canceled.
● Coaches may choose to cancel practices at any temperature and at their own discretion.
● The Region Safety Director will monitor weather conditions and send out practice cancellation/field closure notifications if needed.

6U - 10U Games Policy (Includes any 12U – 19U in-league games)
● 92-97°F - Referees & Coaches shall provide longer water breaks, shorten each quarter by 2 minutes.
● 97-101°F:
○ 6U-10U - Referees & Coaches shall provide longer water breaks at quarter and half, Referees/Coaches can allow for substitution of players who need water/rest and should be taken at a natural stoppage. Goal keepers are recommended to keep water bottles behind their nets for hydration. Each quarter is shortened by 2 – 3 minutes at Referee and Coach discretion.
○ 12U-19U In-League Games - Referees & Coaches shall provide longer water breaks, Referees shall allow for more stoppage in play such as a quarter break or eighth break, Referees can allow/permit for substitution of players who need water/rest and should be taken at a natural stoppage. Goal keepers are recommended to keep water bottles behind their nets for hydration. Each quarter is shortened by 2 – 3 minutes at Referee and Coach discretion.
● 102°F and above – Fields closed, games canceled or abandoned.
● The Region Safety Director and other Board Members will monitor weather conditions and make a determination to cancel games if needed. It may be determined that morning and early afternoon games can be played, but later afternoon games need to be canceled or abandoned due to excessive heat. If you have a late afternoon game, please monitor your email for field closures/game cancellations.

For 12U – 19U interplay games please defer to Area 2C.

*It is the final decision of each player’s parent(s) as to whether they play a game or attend practice. If you feel your player is unable to participate, please let your coach know as soon as possible.

Website Manager

Pleasant Hill/Martinez Soccer Association