Severe Weather and Lightning Policy

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

1. Purpose

The Welland Soccer Club (WSC) is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants, including players, coaches, volunteers, officials, staff, and spectators.

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for responding to severe weather conditions, including lightning, thunderstorms, heavy rain, high winds, and other potentially dangerous weather events, in accordance with Ontario Soccer recommendations and recognized safety practices.

Player and participant safety shall always take precedence over competition, scheduling, or program activities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• House League programs
• Select and Competitive programs
• Interlock and sanctioned matches
• Training sessions and practices
• Tournaments and special events
• Indoor and outdoor club activities

3. Authority and Responsibility

Match Officials

During sanctioned matches, the referee has final authority regarding:

• Delaying a match
• Temporarily suspending play
• Restarting play
• Abandoning a match

The referee’s decision is final and must be respected by all participants.

Coaches and Club Staff

During practices, training sessions, camps, and events where a referee is not present, responsibility rests with:

• Coaches
• Technical staff
• Convenors
• Club administration

These individuals are expected to exercise sound judgment and immediately initiate safety procedures when hazardous conditions exist.

4. Severe Weather Conditions

Activities may be delayed, suspended, or cancelled due to:

• Lightning or thunderstorms
• Heavy rainfall causing unsafe field conditions
• High winds
• Tornado watches or warnings
• Hail
• Extreme weather conditions
• Other conditions deemed unsafe by club officials

5. Lightning Safety Procedures

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”

If thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate danger.

If you can hear thunder, you are at risk of being struck by lightning.

Immediate Action Required

Upon the first:

• Sound of thunder; or
• Visible lightning strike

The following actions must occur immediately:

1. All activities shall stop immediately.
2. Players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators must leave the field area.
3. Individuals must proceed immediately to a designated safe location.
4. No participant shall remain on the field or in open areas.

6. Safe Locations

Preferred Safe Locations

• Fully enclosed buildings with plumbing and electrical wiring
• Youngs Sportsplex facility
• Clubhouses
• Indoor facilities

Acceptable Alternative Locations

• Fully enclosed vehicles with:
  • Hard metal roofs
  • Windows completely closed

The Following Are NOT Considered Safe

• Tents
• Picnic shelters
• Open garages
• Covered benches
• Dugouts
• Bleachers
• Trees
• Open-sided structures
• Under light poles
• Golf carts
• Convertibles
• Open fields

7. Lightning Delay and Resumption of Play

The Welland Soccer Club follows the 30-Minute Rule.

Activities may only resume thirty (30) minutes after BOTH of the following conditions have been met:

• The last audible thunder
• The last visible lightning strike

Important

• Every additional thunder sound or lightning sighting resets the 30-minute clock.
• Participants must remain in safe locations during the waiting period.

Example

8. Environment Canada Weather Recommendations

Participants are encouraged to:

• Check weather forecasts prior to activities
• Identify nearby safe shelter locations
• Monitor changing weather conditions
• Watch for darkening skies and approaching storms
• Listen for thunder

9. If Caught Outdoors Without Immediate Shelter

If safe shelter cannot be reached, participants should move away from:

• Trees
• Light poles
• Metal fences
• Bleachers
• Standing water
• Open fields

Seek:

• Low-lying areas
• Groups of smaller trees surrounded by taller trees

If no shelter exists:

• Assume a crouched position
• Stay on the balls of your feet
• Wrap arms around knees
• Lower head
• Minimize contact with the ground

Do not lie flat on the ground.

10. Lightning Strike Emergency Response

If an individual is struck by lightning:

Important

Lightning victims do not carry electrical charge and can safely be touched.

Immediately

1. Call 911.
2. Assess responsiveness and breathing.
3. Begin CPR if necessary.
4. Use an AED if available.
5. Continue care until emergency personnel arrive.

11. Communication Procedures

When weather delays or cancellations occur, the Welland Soccer Club may communicate through:

• TeamSnap
• PowerUp
• Email
• Club website
• Social media
• On-site announcements
• Coaches and convenors

Parents and participants should understand that weather conditions can change rapidly and decisions may occur on short notice.

12. Policy Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and may place participants at unnecessary risk.

All participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators are expected to cooperate fully with weather-related safety instructions.

Safety always comes before competition. No game, practice, or event is more important than the well-being of our players, families, officials, and community members.