🌦️ Weather Policy
Youth soccer is an outdoor sport played in changing Texas weather. Our priority is always player safety, while also doing our best to keep games and practices on schedule when conditions allow.
General Approach
We play in most weather conditions, including light rain. Decisions to delay or cancel are only made when conditions affect player safety or field safety.
Weather in Texas can change quickly, so final decisions are sometimes made close to game time.
⚡ Lightning & Severe Weather (Automatic Stop)
Safety comes first.
All field activity stops immediately when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.
At Serna Fields, a lightning detection alarm system is in place. When the alarm sounds, it signals that lightning has been detected nearby and all fields must be cleared immediately.
- Players and teams must leave the field right away
- Everyone should move to a safe shelter (vehicles or concession stand)
- Play will not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning
If storms continue or conditions remain unsafe, games or practices may be canceled for the remainder of the day.
🌧️ Field Conditions
Our fields are turf, which means games are rarely affected by rain or water on the surface.
Games and practices are typically played as scheduled in wet weather. However, staff, referees, or league officials may delay or pause play if conditions become unsafe due to factors such as lightning, severe storms, ice, or debris on the field.
Even in uncertain weather, teams should plan to arrive unless an official update has been shared.
🔥 Heat & Cold
Because we play in Texas, weather can include both extreme heat and cold.
- Hot conditions: water breaks and adjustments may be added when needed
- Cold conditions: games are typically played as scheduled with appropriate gear
- Coaches and referees may modify activity if conditions become unsafe
Families are encouraged to dress players appropriately and ensure they bring water to all sessions.
📢 How Decisions Are Communicated
When weather impacts play, updates will be shared as quickly as possible through:
- League communication system (PlayMetrics)
- Instagram and Facebook post
- Website updates when applicable
We aim to make decisions as early as possible, but some calls must be made on-site.
✔️ What Families Should Do
To avoid confusion on game day:
- Assume games are on unless you hear otherwise
- Check messages before leaving for the field
- Be prepared for quick changes due to Texas weather
- Bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and gear to every session
For Non-Leander YSA Fields
In the event that the hosting club does not have a field safety policy comparable to this policy, Leander YSA members should follow the procedures in this policy and remove all Leander YSA players and coaches from the area.
A coach may remove his players from a game for safety reasons even if the referee has not suspended the match. Leander YSA policies for resumption of activities should be followed in reaching a decision to return any Leander YSA players or coaches to the field.
