Grand Rapids Area Soccer Club

Air Quality & Weather Policy

All GRASC coaches, team officials, and referees are expected to understand and follow our club’s weather policy.

Before Game Day:
Team leaders should monitor weather forecasts in the days leading up to games. If severe weather or air quality concerns are anticipated—especially those that may impact travel or game logistics—please communicate early with the opposing team and relevant officials to discuss possible cancellations or rescheduling.

On Game Day:
We encourage open communication between coaches and referees at the field. While collaboration is important, the referee has the final authority on any weather-related decisions, including delays, suspensions, or cancellations.

And most importantly: Parents always have the final say. If you feel it’s best to keep your child home due to weather, air quality, or travel concerns, GRASC supports your decision. We understand that your child’s well-being is your top priority—just as it is ours.

If you do choose to keep your child home, please notify your coach as soon as possible so the team can adjust and avoid being short on players.

Air Quality

The following precautions must be followed for determining activity level when there is a possibility that air quality is unsafe.

Check local air quality levels at https://www.airnow.gov

Air Quality Index	Outdoor Activity Guidance
Green (Good)	Great day to be active outside!
Yellow (Moderate)	Good day to be active outside! Those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution could have symptoms.
Orange (unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	It’s OK to be active outside, especially for short activities. For longer activities such as athletic practice,take more breaks and do less intense activities.
Red (Unhealthy)	For all outdoor activities, take more breaks and do less intense activities. Consider moving longer or more intense activities indoors or rescheduling them to another day or time.
Purple (Very Unhealthy)	Move all activities indoors or reschedule them to another day.

Cold

The following precautions must be followed when there is a possibility of dangerous cold conditions:

46 degrees or higher: No adjustments necessary.
45 degrees and lower:  Additional clothing is allowed as long as it's deemed safe by the referee.
40 degrees and lower:  Shorten games five minute per half.
35 degrees and lower:  Suspend games.

Heat

The following precautions must followed when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:

Up to 89 degrees: No adjustments necessary
90 - 99 degrees: Two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by five minutes
100 - 104 degrees: Two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by ten minutes
105+ degrees: Suspended Play

Storms and Lightning

Severe Weather Protocol

If a severe storm approaches, the game may be temporarily suspended while players, coaches, and spectators seek shelter. All individuals must immediately leave the field and take cover in a vehicle or permanent structure.

Lightning & Thunder:
If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, the game must be suspended immediately. Everyone is required to seek shelter, and play may not resume until 30 minutes have passed without additional lightning or thunder.
To help track local lightning activity, teams and referees may use the "Spark Lightning" feature in the WeatherBug app, which offers real-time lightning strike data near your location.

Weather Warnings:
If a National Weather Service warning (e.g., a tornado warning) is issued, the game must be stopped immediately, and all participants must seek appropriate shelter.

AirNow Mobile App

WeatherBug

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