Air Quality Policy

Take a look at this flier for Oregon Health Authority (here). If a training is done in orange weather, please make it light P.E. like activities. No training sessions shall take place in the red category.

"Athletes with asthma should have rescue inhalers readily available and pretreat before exercise or as directed by their healthcare provider. All athletes with respiratory illness, asthma, lung or heart disease should monitor symptoms and reduce/cease activity if symptoms arise. Increase rest periods as needed."-OSAA

Thunder/Lightning Policy

If you hear it, clear it. If you see it, flee it. Keep the field clear until you have at least 30 minutes with no thunder or visible lightning.

Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren't worth death or crippling injury.

The AYSO National Referee Commission position regarding severe weather states: "It is said that lightning can strike from a clear blue sky that is within a ten-mile radius of a storm. It is therefore strongly recommended that practices and games be terminated immediately upon hearing thunder or seeing lightning."

In view of the above, the following is the position of AYSO Region 870 regarding severe weather and is to be instituted by coaches and referees at all practices, games and other AYSO sponsored events.

AYSO 870 will not cancel entire days or all remaining games due to active thunderstorms in our area as these storms usually pass through quickly. Regardless of the weather overhead, when thunder is heard and/or lightning is seen, suspend play and direct participants to a safe area by following the guidelines below. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard, or lightning seen.

Areas considered safe

• Inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle with windows up
• Inside a substantial building (roof and four walls)

Unsafe Areas

• Small buildings including picnic shelters and the open area of a concession stand
• Anywhere near metallic objects like flagpoles, antennas, towers, underground watering systems, soccer goals, metal bleachers, electric equipment
• Open fields, trees and water

Open area without shelter

• Avoid standing in groups
• Spread out to reduce risk
• Crouch on your feet, keep your head low
• Avoid being the tallest object
• Avoid lying on the ground

If a strike occurs to an individual

• Call 911
• If you are qualified to do so, apply First Aid or CPR immediately
• People struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch

Restarting after the All-Clear (30 minutes after the last boom is heard or strike is seen)

• Games which have completed the first half will be considered finished and the score at the time play was suspended shall be the final score.
• Games which have completed less than one half; the referee will resume by starting the second half, reducing the remaining time if necessary so that the match ends at the scheduled time.

AYSO National Rules & Regulations paragraph VI.E. states: “Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate shall disqualify the team member from practice or match participation.”

Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not meant to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports.

Players who require prescription glasses are to be allowed to wear them during practices and games. For the greatest safety, retaining straps should be worn or rubber bands may be used for this purpose. Prescription goggles, such as the type used by racquetball players, are also permitted subject to the approval of the Referee prior to the start of the match. Spectacle guards made of plastic or other hard material are not permitted.

Jewelry, including earrings and any visible body piercing or any hard replacement stud used when the jewelry is not being worn, must be removed before the player is allowed to participate in a practice or game. Covering the jewelry or hard replacement stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient; the jewelry or hard replacement stud must be removed in order to play.

Coaches have the responsibility of not allowing players wearing jewelry to participate in practices or games.

Covering the jewelry or hard replacement stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient; the jewelry or hard replacement stud must be removed before playing. Subject to approval of the Referee, various soft, flexible materials that present no danger to the player or other players may be used to keep recent body piercings open for participation during games.

In the case of visible taped-over or bandaged suspected piercings, Referees must not ask players to lift or remove articles of clothing or bandages. It is acceptable however, to ask a player if the tape or bandages is covering an earring. The Referee must accept the answer provided, regardless of suspicion and if in the opinion of the Referee, the item is deemed to be dangerous, the player will not be allowed to participate on that day.

Coaches have the responsibility of not allowing players wearing jewelry to participate in practices or games. Coaches and Referees are role models and should avoid wearing jewelry, earrings and hard replacement studs during practices or games.