The following are the guidelines followed by NYFA with regards to inclement weather. Ultimately your comfort with inclement weather is a personal decision. If you want to keep your child home or pick him/her up early, you may. However, do not take your child from practice without first informing one of his/her coaches or UD. Expect communication from your child's coach or UD on questionable weather days.
Yes, we practice in the rain, even heavy rain. Bring a plastic garbage bag to lay down in your car when you pick up your player.
Coaches escort kids to shelter if lightning strikes, and they do not return to the open field until 20 minutes have passed since the last strike. There is a possibility practice could be canceled if thunder/lightning is persistent. Be ready to return to the field.
On occasion, we will cancel or delay practice before it begins due to a HIGH probability of severe storms/tornado watches. We all know how Michigan weather works, so these decisions are usually not made until the last minute, very close to or at the start of practice. Again, look for communication from your coach or UD. UDs are in contact with Head Coaches on these kinds of days, ready to pass on the final decision. We suggest you stick around and relax in your vehicle until a decision is made.
When the heat index hits 95 degrees, coaches will insist on more frequent water breaks for hydration (i.e., 10-minute break every 30 minutes of practice). If the heat index hits 104 degrees, practice will be canceled or delayed until the temperature drops. Again, be sure on hotter days to send extra water and hydrate all day long.
