Inclement Weather Guide for Sports Training, Tryouts, and Practice

The safety of all players, coaches, and spectators is our top priority. This policy outlines procedures for handling adverse weather conditions to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

General Guidelines

• Villarreal Virginia will monitor weather conditions leading up to and during practices and games.
• Coaches and referees are responsible for enforcing weather-related safety procedures.
• Parents and guardians should remain informed about potential weather disruptions via official communication channels.

Severe Weather Conditions

Lightning and Thunderstorms

• If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius, all activities must be suspended immediately.
• Participants and spectators must seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a vehicle with a hard metal roof.
• Activities may resume 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike.

Extreme Heat

• The Heat Index will be monitored, and modifications to practice/game duration and intensity will be made accordingly.
• Mandatory water breaks will be enforced every 20 minutes when the Heat Index is at or above 90°F.
• Before practice or games it is recommended that players hydrate. Players should consume 8-16 oz., in the form of water or Gatorade/Powerade type beverage with a 6-8% carbohydrate solution. 
• During practice or games 4-10 oz of fluids (again water or sports drink) per 15 minutes is recommended depending on the age/size of the athlete.  For the younger teams, coaches can help them by asking them to take at least 8 sips of fluids, this will ensure they get at least 2-4 oz when they take a water break if they don’t have a "see-through" bottle.  A good check is if players haven’t consumed at least 16 oz by the end of practice, they aren’t drinking enough.
• The following hot weather announcements will be directly related to the following NWS Heat Index Chart.
  • If the heat index is at or below 94º F - Practice May Occur
  • If the heat index is Between 95º- 104º F - Limitation per guide
  • If the heat index is above104º F - No Practice

Cold Weather

Wind Chill with Precipitation Guidelines

• 36º F and above: Normal Practice may occur.
• Between 33º- 35º F:  No more than 60 minutes outside per session – may return outside after 20 minutes indoors.
• At or Below 32º F: All outdoor activities canceled.

Wind Chill without Precipitation Guidelines

• 36º F and above: Normal Practice may occur. 
• Between 33º-35º F: No more than 1 hour outside per session – may return outside after 30 minutes indoors.
• Between 26º- 31º F: No more than 45 minutes outside per session.
• At or Below 25º F: All outdoor activities canceled.