People on open sports fields are at higher risk for lightning strikes. Sports fields are dangerous because they are large open areas. Sports fields also have metal bleachers, fences, light poles, soccer goals, and goal posts that attract lightning. When lightning hits these objects, its charge travels along the object shocking anyone who is touching it. Lightning can bounce off any of these objects and strike people nearby. Lightning can also travel through moist soils for dozens of feet.
The following lightning policy has been implemented and is enforced by GLASA for your safety:
Lightning Detectors help assess the threat for lightning. Neither the warning nor the system is intended to guarantee that conditions are safe. If the weather is threatening and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and clear the sports field immediately. Do not wait for the warning signal to activate, as the systems can malfunction. While the system is not infallible, common sense should still be followed.
Heat
GLASA does not cancel any games due to heat related weather, however if the temperature is over 90 we will automatically add a water break for all U9 and above games. U4-U8 games have short enough quarters, water breaks should not be necessary but can be requested by the coaches. No substitutions are allowed during water breaks for U4-U8.
Cold
GLASA does not cancel games due to cold related weather, however you should always dress your players for the conditions. For GLASA soccer you can wear any outwear necessary as long as the jersey remains the top garment.