- Frederick County Parks & Recreation
- Recreation
- Sports Leagues
- League Weather Cancellation Policy
League Weather Cancellation Policy
Games may be played rain or shine. However, certain inclement weather situations may cause us to postpone and/or cancel games.
Program Status Line: 301-600-6291
If a Tornado Warning is issued, by the National Weather Service, for the Frederick area (or in the absence of a warning – a severe weather alert is received), all activity (practice and/or competition) will be stopped immediately and/or cancelled. All participants, game officials, athletics staff and spectators will be prior informed or relocated according to the procedures outlined for each venue or to the nearest safest location. Once the warning is lifted the activity can resume provided the playing area is safe for all players and spectators.
Game Time heat index of 88-95 degrees - Parents and Coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices. Parents should make sure that players are hydrated prior to participating and that they are wearing sunscreen.
Game Time heat index of 96-99 degrees - Parents and Coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices. Parents should make sure that players are hydrated prior to participating and that they are wearing sunscreen. Sport activities that require players to wear helmets or bulky protective equipment should be modified.
Game Time heat index of 100-103 degrees – Follow all procedures noted above and activities should be reduced by 25-40%. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated by having them drink water. For example during a 1-hour practice, the coach should take at least 3 – 5 minute breaks, including shade and cold water.
Game Time heat index of above 103 – FCPR Managers, Officials, coaches and parents will cancel the activity.
The above are merely guidelines and it is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in FCPR programs and events when heat may be a factor. Parents need to consider the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration before, during and after an event. Parents and coaches should familiarize themselves with the signs of heat related illnesses.
Because FCPR utilizes many sites in the area and weekend games occur throughout the day, we encourage coaches and parents to monitor the current conditions. The current heat index is available at: www.weather.com See the “feels like” temperature.
Program Status Line
When inclement weather is forecasted you should call our Program Status Line, prior to leaving home for your scheduled practice/game. Instruct your players to also call this number prior to leaving. The Program Status Line is only updated if an activity is cancelled. If the line does not state that the activity is cancelled, then it is still running as scheduled. Practice cancellations will be left up to the coach to contact the parents. If we have heavy rains, we may cancel all practices and close the fields.Program Status Line: 301-600-6291
Thunderstorms & Lightning
“When Thunder Roars, Get Indoors.” FCPR Staff and Volunteers will suspend or postpone activities if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during outdoor activities. If thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to be a hazard and everyone should head to a safe location immediately. Allowing sufficient time for individuals to safely evacuate the premises must be taken into consideration by staff and volunteers. All activities will be suspended until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard. This 30-minute clock restarts each time thunder is heard. Spectator and participants will be directed to the nearest safe location which in many instances will be their vehicles. Participants and spectators should only make their way back to a venue after an “all-clear” from FCPR Staff. Consideration must be given to patrons leaving safe locations and returning to the venue.Tornadoes/High Wind
If a Tornado Warning is issued, by the National Weather Service, for the Frederick area (or in the absence of a warning – a severe weather alert is received), all activity (practice and/or competition) will be stopped immediately and/or cancelled. All participants, game officials, athletics staff and spectators will be prior informed or relocated according to the procedures outlined for each venue or to the nearest safest location. Once the warning is lifted the activity can resume provided the playing area is safe for all players and spectators.
Excessive Heat
During the spring/summer seasons, FCPR encourages participants to follow the guidelines below:Game Time heat index of 88-95 degrees - Parents and Coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices. Parents should make sure that players are hydrated prior to participating and that they are wearing sunscreen.
Game Time heat index of 96-99 degrees - Parents and Coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices. Parents should make sure that players are hydrated prior to participating and that they are wearing sunscreen. Sport activities that require players to wear helmets or bulky protective equipment should be modified.
Game Time heat index of 100-103 degrees – Follow all procedures noted above and activities should be reduced by 25-40%. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated by having them drink water. For example during a 1-hour practice, the coach should take at least 3 – 5 minute breaks, including shade and cold water.
Game Time heat index of above 103 – FCPR Managers, Officials, coaches and parents will cancel the activity.
The above are merely guidelines and it is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in FCPR programs and events when heat may be a factor. Parents need to consider the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration before, during and after an event. Parents and coaches should familiarize themselves with the signs of heat related illnesses.
Because FCPR utilizes many sites in the area and weekend games occur throughout the day, we encourage coaches and parents to monitor the current conditions. The current heat index is available at: www.weather.com See the “feels like” temperature.