Ascend field hockey club weather guidelines
These guidelines are used by Ascend FHC to ensure practices and competitions take place in safe weather conditions. Any changes to scheduled events will be communicated promptly to participating families.
Lightning
If lightning or severe weather is forecasted, coaches will closely monitor weather radar and conditions. Practices or competition will be suspended when lightning is 8 miles and imminent to the facility. Players and coaches will seek shelter immediately. Activities may resume 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 8 miles of the facility.
Tornadoes
A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. If a tornado warning is issued, regardless of it being indoor or outdoor, all practice or competition will cease immediately. Players and coaches will seek shelter immediately. Activities will resume upon the tornado warning expiring.
Extreme Heat
We use wet bulb globe temperatures–which measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation in direct sunlight–to determine how to proceed with practices and competition. When practical, we will proceed with practices and provide appropriate work to rest ratios and opportunities for shade. Throughout the summer season, we will closely monitor athletes for signs of heat related illness during practices.
Winter Weather
For indoor activities scheduled in the winter months, road conditions will be monitored closely to ensure primary and secondary roadways are safe for travel to and from practice. If primary roads are clear but some secondary or tertiary roads are not, practices may still proceed for those who can travel safely. There will be no penalty for athletes who are unable to make it due to the lack of clearance of their most immediate roads. For any outdoor activities, coaches will closely monitor the wind chill temperature to determine if practices may continue outdoors. For wind chill below 25F, practices will be moved inside or otherwise rescheduled, if possible.
Other Adverse Weather
For any other adverse weather that may arise, coaches will monitor conditions closely and keep player and coach safety at the forefront of decision making. Any changes made to schedules will be communicated as soon as possible, while prioritizing the safety of any ongoing practice where applicable.