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WDSRA Weather Cancellation Guidelines

The following guidelines help WDSRA determine when to cancel or modify activities due to weather. In most cases, decisions are based on current weather and facility conditions rather than forecasts. Activities may be canceled at any time at the discretion of the Executive Director. Parents will be notified via email, text and/or phone for any program cancelations. Ultimately, participants and their families are responsible for deciding whether to attend based on weather conditions.

Rain

Many outdoor activities proceed as scheduled in light rain. WDSRA follows the guidance and field closures of our partnering park districts to prevent field damage and participant injury.

WDSRA may cancel onsite games or practices if poor or unsafe field conditions exist, including:

• Presence of lightning or thunder
• Standing water
• Bubbling or surfacing water on turf when walked on
• Excessive mud causing unsafe footing
• Sharp or hazardous objects (glass, rocks, base pegs, holes)
• Unsecured goals
• Broken athletic equipment

Cancellations or delays may be made by WDSRA staff or athletic officials. In their absence, instructors or head coaches will decide whether to proceed, modify, or cancel.

Lightning & Thunder

Many facilities have lightning detection systems. When a warning sounds:

• Activities must be suspended immediately
• All participants, staff, and spectators must take shelter
• Activities may not resume until an all-clear signal is received or 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning/thunder

Tornado Conditions

• Tornado Watch: Outdoor activities may be canceled or moved indoors
• Tornado Warning: All programs (indoor and outdoor) will be canceled

Hot Weather Guidelines

During periods of high heat, activities may be modified for safety. Participants should:

• Limit activity during peak sun hours
• Wear and reapply sunscreen (must be applied by participant or parent)
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks
• Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing

Heat Index 90–100°F
Activities will be adjusted to reduce intensity and increase breaks. Encourage hydration and sunscreen application before participation.

Heat Index 100+°F
Programs and camps will be modified. Non-aquatic field trips may be adjusted or modified. If possible, programs will move indoors. Athletic events will be shortened or modified.

Heat Index above 103°F or National Weather Service Heat Advisory
Programs and camps will be moved indoors if available. Non-aquatic outdoor activities may be canceled.

Winter Weather Guidelines

Program cancellations and facility closures may occur due to snow, ice, or extreme cold.

Cold Weather Attire Recommendations:

• Hat
• Scarf or knit face covering
• Snug sleeves
• Mittens (warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant outerwear and boots
• Multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing

Wind Chill 15–30°F
Encourage appropriate dress. Outdoor time may be shortened.

Wind Chill 0–14°F
Programs may be shortened or moved indoors if possible.

Wind Chill 0°F or Temp -10°F
Programs will be moved indoors if an option exists. Otherwise, they may be canceled.

Programs with Transportation:
Programs will be canceled if temperature is below -5°F or wind chill is -15°F or lower.

Air Quality Guidelines

WDSRA will follow these standards during Air Quality Alerts:

• Green, Yellow, Orange (Index 1–150): No changes to programming
• Red (Index 151–200): Outdoor activities will be limited to 2 hours. Groups will avoid strenuous activity and take frequent breaks. Outdoor activities and pool visits may continue but may be shortened.
• Purple (Index 201+): All outdoor activities will be moved indoors or rescheduled.

If families have concerns regarding weather conditions, they may choose to keep their participant home. Please note that refunds will not be issued for weather-related modifications, as programs will be adjusted whenever possible rather than canceled.