Weather Protocol - Amber Weather Warning

AMBER Weather Warning (from Met Office)

The league will send out communication to all clubs where appropriate
.
Pre-Match Assessment

A pre-match pitch inspection will be conducted at least two hours before the scheduled kickoff time, if safe to do so. However, if the weather has been severe for a prolonged period, then use local knowledge to prevent delayed decisions.

A Senior Club official (as this will likely be a club-wide decision) will assess the following factors:

Current and potential Pitch Conditions: 

• Waterlogging
• frost, snow
• other factors affecting playability. (Including the information in the issued warning)

Current and Potential Weather Warning and Conditions:

• Heavy rainfall
• thunderstorms
• lightning
• strong winds
• extreme temperatures. (Including the information in the issued warning)

Travel Conditions:

• Road closures
• public transport disruptions
• other factors affecting the current or potential access to the ground. (Including the information in the issued warning)

Participant Safety:

Potential risks to participant safety due to adverse weather conditions.

Postponement Decision

If the weather warning is present over the league’s region then a decision is likely to be made by the
league to postpone all matches, if a blanket decision has not been made, then follow the below:

All parties, in consultation with the relevant league officials. The final decision will be confirmed in
writing by the league official to all parties on whether to postpone the match, after considering all
evidence and factors.

Priority will be given to participant safety.

If the match is postponed, the relevant league officials will let all relevant parties know as soon as
possible in writing and no sanctions will be applied to the clubs involved if protocol followed.

Rescheduling Postponed Matches

Postponed matches will be rescheduled as soon as possible, prioritising available dates and minimising
disruption to the league schedule.

Communication

Information regarding postponed matches and rescheduled dates will be promptly communicated by
the league.

Additional Considerations

• The well-being of players is paramount.
• If severe weather conditions make travel hazardous for players, officials, or spectators, the
  match may be postponed. The league will take advice and guidance from various organisations before making a decision.
• If there is a risk of damage to the ground or facilities due to severe weather, the match may
  be postponed.

Useful Resources:

Met Office: For the latest weather forecasts and warnings: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

National Highways: For real-time traffic information and travel advice: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/

UK Government: For general advice on staying safe during severe weather: https://www.gov.uk/

By adhering to this protocol, the HO Soccer Taunton & District Youth Football League aims to ensure the
safety of all involved and the smooth running of the league, even in challenging weather conditions.