Approach to weather & cancellations
It should come as no surprise that Football is an outdoor sport, and therefore is at the mercy of the elements. However, the League receives many questions about cancellations due to the weather, and we wanted to share our approach to determining if a match should go ahead.
Our approach
As a general principle, matches should proceed regardless of rain, wind, cold or heat. However, if we feel that playing is to the detriment of a child's wellbeing, we will consider cancelling a match.
With a majority of our matches playing on 3G surfaces, we will rarely cancel a game due to pitch conditions. Grass matches, however, are more likely to be cancelled in the event of significant rainfall or icy conditions. Wherever possible a match should kick off. If conditions deteriorate during the game, the referee (and only the referee) has the power to abandon a match. Managers have the right to discuss concerns with the referee.
Weather Forecast
The league uses (and only uses) the Met Office weather forecast - any reports from other Apps or systems are ignored (so please don’t send us screenshots!).
Cancellation timing
Decisions about cancellations will be made as late as possible, as our strongest preference is for the children to play, and UK weather is notoriously changeable. Pitch inspections by the venues are conducted 1 hour before the first kick-offs.
For 9 am kick-offs, this means we’ll aim to provide an update by 8 am (subject to confirmation from the venue), and for all later fixtures we’ll endeavour to provide notice 1-hour pre-kick-off. Where it is clear the pitch is unplayable (or the venue tells us we can’t play) we will provide notifications sooner.
Thunder/Lightning
Wherever possible the match should start. If conditions deteriorate, the referee (and only the referee) has the power to abandon a match. Managers have the right to discuss concerns with the referee.
The only exception to this is in the case of Thunder/Lightning where the referee should halt the match and everyone should leave the pitch immediately. This is non-negotiable. The league may cancel games at very late notice if Thunder/Lightning is likely and games won’t resume until 30 minutes after the last Thunder/Lightning event occurred.
The unpredictability of Thunder/Lightning makes decisions about games one of the most frustrating for all… however, the tragic events in Blackpool in 2021 serve as a stark reminder about why we will not risk a match in these circumstances.
Managing Players
Players should always be dressed appropriately for the weather. Here are some hints, tips, does and do nots to help ensure your players enjoy football in any weather:
- In cold weather, hats and gloves can be worn on the pitch (but not scarves due to grab risk). Leggings and base layers are encouraged too, but your playing kit must be the top-most layer.
- In wet weather, jackets should be worn when substituted (and parents can bring umbrellas). Small pop-up tents/shelters are also allowed as long as they are not anchored into the playing surface (applies to both 3G and Grass). As such, using these in windy conditions may prove problematic.
- In warm weather, sun cream should be applied, hats can be worn when not on the pitch and lots of water consumed. We’re aware that 3G pitches radiate heat in warm weather making for warmer climates and we will take this into account when making any decisions over cancellations. If appropriate, you should rotate your players frequently to allow them time to rest.