Inclement weather policy

 

Football is played in all kinds of weather. The only thing that can prevent games from taking
place, especially those involving kids is thunder and lightning so it’s important to keep your child
prepared, safe and warm when Mother Nature calls.
Prepare for the elements.
 Stay warm and dry
 Dress appropriately
 Cover up when not in play
                                                             Inclement weather
 

Shamokin  Wild Tigers football and or cheerleading organization shall monitor weather conditions
prior to and during all games and practices. Weather conditions occurring prior to scheduled events, we
will notify everyone as soon as a decision has been made to play, postpone and or cancel the event.
For weather that causes field conditions to deteriorate or is forecast to create a weather related danger,
postpone or cancel of event will be made by coaches and/or league officials. Parents and or players shall
be notified as soon as possible. Each coach has the responsibility to notify their player’s parents.
Shamokin Wild Tigers organization uses the following methods:
 through our facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/ShamokinWildtigers
 Phone calls and/or text messages.
 Message me app.
Each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her personal safety and has the right to take
appropriate actions when threatened by bad weather. Adults must take responsibility for the safety of
the children in their care during inclement weather.

                                                           Thunder and Lightning Plan
Take shelter
Shamokin Wild Tigers Require immediate evacuation of all practice and games after bad weather
threats are signaled or anticipated.
In the event of lighting approaching within 5 miles of area all participates must seek shelter under a
grounded building or structure.
All participates are asked to remain calm in area for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Games and or practices may be temporarily postponed for situations where the weather is short lived.

Cancellations
Shamokin grey wild-tigers may be forced to cancel event due to weather related dangers and or field
conditions. If games are canceled game may be rescheduled at a later date.
Rain
Light or moderate rain showers practice shall commence as normal. Playing in rain is some of the most
memorable moments during games and/or practices. Parents we would consider some of the following
ideas.
 Change of clothes
 Trash bags to sit on or to place wet muddy clothes in for the ride home.
 A rain coat or poncho when not active in game.

Having your child run behind the car, or tieing them to the roof rack may sound like good ideas but we
would refrain from that option.
Heavy rains can cause muddy field conditions, fields can be damaged due to inappropriate use by sports
teams. Scheduled use of the field may be suspended until fields can be renovated and returned to a
playable condition. For this reason practice and/or games may be canceled.
Coaches shall make decision after assessing the field conditions.

                                                         Heat Plan
 

Coaches and/or parents need to monitor athletes at all times during excessive heat conditions.
When the heat index is high, several illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion are
possible with physical activity or prolonged exposure. The heat may overcome the body’s ability to
regulate internal body temperature at a safe level.
Some sign of heat illness include
Sunburns – skin irritation or damage from overexposure to sun.
Heat cramps-painful muscle spasms, usually occurs during heavy exercise in hot environments.
Heat exhaustion –is a condition where heavy sweating and a rapid pulse a result of the body
overheating.
Heat stroke- a condition marked by fever and often unconsciousness caused by failure of the body’s
temperature regulating, when exposed to excessively high heat temperatures.

Warning signs:
 Nausea
 Weakness or tired
 Fainting
 Pale clammy skin
 Headache
 Dizziness
 Losing consciousness
 Feeling confused
 Muscle cramp

Prompt action can prevent the most serious heat illness.
 Team staff shall initiate first aid procedures, which may include
 Stopping activity
 Sponge body with cool water
 Removing person from heat and placing in a cool shaded area to rest
 Loosen clothes or remove of equipment
 And if necessary have ambulance readily available
Coaches shall be aware of warning signs and be trained on what to do in event of heat related illness.
It is the coach’s responsibilities to ensure athletes are drinking fluids. Water is available at all times. And
if possible a shaded are for athletes to rest.
Coaches may limit practice schedule or have players remove equipment during practice.
Coaches shall implement and follow an emergency action plan.

                                                      Temperature Guidelines

When the temperature 80-95 degrees with high humidity, athletes need to drink water every 20 to 30
minutes of practice or play. Athletes cannot be denied a water break when needed.
Rest of 3 to 5 minutes shall be provided and preferable in shaded areas if and when available.
When the temperature is 95- 100 with high humidity athletes need to drink water every 15 minutes of
practice or play with rest breaks.
When the temperature is 100 (+) degrees athletes need to drink water every 5 to 10 minutes of practice
or play with rest breaks.
Any athlete that does not feel well shall be taken out immediately and to be given aid immediately.

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                                                                              Reminders:
 

In event of rain we ask that you do not message coaches. Decision will be made at Bunker Hill
sports complex during Practices, And at Kemp memorial stadium during all home games. Games may be
cancelled because of excessive rain and wet fields. Games will not be cancelled because of heat but 
may be shortened and water breaks must be given