Inclement Weather/Lightning Policy

Inclement Weather Procedures

Practices and Week Night Games

In the event of inclement weather the JSC will notify coaches, team managers and when possible the membership via email of any field closures. Coaches/team manager should always notify their team as the club can’t guarantee being able to send a broadcast email to the membership every time. This is especially important if a game is being played. It is the responsibility of the “team” to contact opponents and inform them of any field closure.

Coaches are requested to contact the Executive Director to discuss potential practice cancelations prior to informing the team. We also ask that you do not call the training venue directly with the following exceptions:

Jamestown Athletic Complex Weather Hotline 336-812-4671

Gibson Park 336-888-6025

Weekend Games

JSC/JYL operates weather hotlines to provide information in the event of inclement weather. This allows information to be provided as soon as it available to both JYL and JSC teams as well and opponents that may be traveling.

Decisions on field closures are made as late as possible in order to give the best possible chance for the game to be played, however some decisions are easier than others and therefore it is possible that a field or park maybe closed prior to game day. Every attempt will be made to update the weather hotlines before 8:00am on game days. Teams are welcome to give these numbers to opponents but should always follow up with a call and be sure that the opponent is aware of the field closure.

Jamestown Athletic Complex and all other Jamestown facilities please call 336-812-4671

Please note that the JAC facility is sometimes referred to as the fairgrounds

Re-Scheduling Games

Teams are responsible for re-scheduling games as per the classic and challenge guidelines.

Before re-scheduling game the “team” needs to contact Alan Foy in order to be sure that the desired time slot is available. This is the same centralized process that we go through when scheduling our fall and spring season games. Alan Foy can then work with the Classic and Challenge representatives if necessary, but most importantly the referee assignor.

We also request that the recreational schedule (U13 and older teams) is consulted prior to suggesting any dates and times with opponents. Recreational games will not be moved to accommodate classic or challenge games. Please click here for the recreational schedule

Standard Operating Procedure for Lightning

The safety of our members and guests at our facilities will always be a priority. Therefore we expect the following rules to be followed and if in doubt clear the field.

Staff, committee members and referees are expected to keep a constant watch for lightning during practices, game days, team meetings or at any time they are on site. In the event you see lightning or are told by a player, member, referee, guest (visiting team) they have seen lightning in the area you are to clear your field immediately and get word to any other members, players or staff to clear their field. Please do not wait for someone to tell you or assume the other staff have seen the lightning. It is better for them to be told by several people than to assume they know to clear the field.

Players and spectators are requested to take safe shelter or go to their vehicle.

Staff are responsible for their field they were on; e.g.; if a player/adult wanders onto the field theywere coaching on, they have to manage/clear that field. Staff are not expected to put themselves at risk in these situations.

On a game day, the referee has the right to call the game (please refer to rules of competition as to the status of the game points). The park manager or delegated personnel also reserve the right to close the field at any given time. In the event the referee is not seeing the lightning, please speak with them and insist that the field is cleared immediately.

Resuming Activity: Activity maybe resumed 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen. If staff wish to send players home earlier, then they may do so. Please keep in mind that when playing official games, the referee will need to make the final decision on how the game is recorded by way of league/competition rules.

Who makes the decisions on site? Decisions will be made by the senior most person on site. This will be a JSC/JYL Committee member, JSC Executive Director, JYL Sports Director, JSC Executive Assistant or JYL Office Manager. A Town delegate or parks employee has the authority to close the facility at any time. In the event none of the above are on site, staff are expected to follow this policy and err on the side of caution or call the Executive Director or a JSC Committee member for advice.