Safety Policies

Communication

Game cancellations or cancellation warnings will be posted to the top of this page, and at vul.ca/myvul when logged into your account. We will also email all effected players when possible. 

This is an example of an alert you may see at the top of the page.

If you do not see any update, that means games should proceed as scheduled, BUT you may still need to cancel if your field is unplayable (see Captains’ Judgement below).

Remember, one team cannot unilaterally cancel a game. If the fields are open, both teams are expected to play. If one team does not play, they are in default. However, if both captains communicate in advance, they can jointly agree to cancel.

Timing & Criteria for Closures

Games may be cancelled when fields are unplayable due to bad weather.

Grass fields are considered unplayable and must NOT be used when:

  • the field is saturated (i.e. visible puddles, squishes when you walk, large muddy areas), or
  • it's raining and the field becomes saturated during play, or
  • the field has frost or is frozen.

When a field is saturated, the root structure is a lot weaker. Playing will cause damage, leading to holes and future closures. 

Artificial turf fields are not usually closed for rain. See guidance for Vancouver and Surrey. 

  • Vancouver recommends not to play on snowy artificial turf fields, but allows for user discretion.
  • Richmond does not allow for play on snowy artificial turf fields. 

Never attempt to clear snow off of artificial turf fields, as doing so risks damage to the playing surface and can impact our field permits.

1. City Park Status: Fields may be closed by local parks departments. If that happens, we will share those update when we get them. View current status here:

2. Organizer Discretion: If the forecast is uncertain, fields may be left open with "User Discretion", meaning league organizers can make the decision. If we expect fields to be unplayable, we will try to cancel games by the following times:

  • 4:00pm for weekday games (same day)
  • 8:00pm on Friday for Saturday games
  • 8:00pm on Saturday for Sunday games
  • On weekends, if fields are playable but the weather worsens overnight, we try to check in the morning and post an update 1 hour before game time, but this is not always possible.

3. Captains’ Judgement: In all cases, captains must use good judgment at the fields and cancel games if appropriate. We will hold teams responsible if fields are damaged. 

Thunderstorms Policy

If a thunderstorm develops and lightning occurs, games should stop and all players should seek shelter. Remember, “when thunder roars, go indoors”. 

The first and most important thing to remember is that if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Take shelter immediately, preferably in a house or all-metal automobile (not convertible top). If caught outside far from a safe shelter, stay away from tall objects, such as trees, poles, wires and fences. Take shelter in a low lying area. (Environment Canada)

If either captain wants to stop play due to thunderstorms, play must be stopped. 

  • If there is less than 30 minutes left in the schedule game time when play stops due to a thunderstorm, the game is ended and play must not be resumed.
  • If there is more than 30 minutes left in the assigned game time at the time that play is stopped due to thunderstorms, the captains may agree to end the game immediately or alternately may elect to wait (in shelter) to see if the weather will improve in sufficient time to resume the game. If thunder can still be heard within 30 minutes of the end of the assigned game time, the game is then automatically ended and play must not be resumed.  

Air Quality Policy

Air quality can drop for a variety of reasons, including smog and forest fires in the region. Games and programs will be cancelled for the day if:

  • The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the area is at a level 7 or higher or:
  • There is an Air Quality Advisory in effect that advises reducing or eliminating outdoor activity for all people, or
  • Youth programs will be cancelled if the Air Quality Advisory lists children as a vulnerable group.

If the AQHI is between level 4 and 6, we recommend people with respiratory or heart health concerns avoid participating. Instructors and coaches must alter/reduce the intensity of their programs for the day and if a captain does not feel comfortable playing they can choose to cancel their games without defaulting/forfeiting.

This policy was created using information from the Air Quality Health Messages Guide. If you are unsure if you are at risk, please check out the Health Risks of Air Pollution Guide.

Extreme Heat Policy

When the Heat Index reaches 37.7°C (100F) (see NOAA/National Weather Service Heat Index Chart), it is required that captains and/or instructors suspend play until the heat index drops below 37.7°C (100F). Organizers may also pre-emptively cancel games/programs if the weather is expected to reach or exceed 37.7°C later in the day during those programs.

Cold Weather Policy

Cold weather can impact games. Municipalities will close their fields when covered with snow, irrespective of the ambient temperature. See field closures above. 

There are occasions when organizers will cancel games due to low temperatures. The decision considers the participants' safety and not the field conditions themselves.

Above 0°C
Games will be played as scheduled when the fields are playable, and temperatures are expected to be at or above 0°C.

Between 0°C and -10°C
Captains may choose to cancel games without additional penalty when the temperatures are expected to be between 0°C and -10°C. See Cancellation Policy for procedures. We urge Captains to consider how safe transportation to and from the fields may be for their players. Cancelling a game because road conditions are dangerous is acceptable under the Cancellation Policy.

Below -10°C
Games will be cancelled by organizers when the temperature is expected to be lower than -10°C. See Cancellation Policy for procedures.

Source for Readings
We use Environment Canada’s forecast for Vancouver to make decisions. Use the temperature that includes Wind Chill if applicable.

Dress for the Weather
Members playing in cold weather should dress appropriately, stay warm while playing or on the sideline, and watch for signs of hypothermia.

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