West Ottawa Soccer Club

Environment Canada issues a Humidex advisory when the Humidex will reach 40 or more and these conditions are expected to last for 1 hour or more. 

When this occurs Referees are encouraged to allow for several water breaks during the game and at a minimum a break at approximately the half way point of each half. Coaches should also ensure that players hydrate themselves prior to and during the game. Referees have been advised to give water breaks at convenient stoppages in play. You will also see referees taking advantage of the hydration break – they’re out there the entire game with no substitutions possible.
Referees, in consultation with the coaches, will shorten each half and also potentially add extra time to the half time break.
So, what should I do to prepare?
• Bring extra water to drink and to splash on hot faces, necks and backs.
• Bring ice packs to keep your water cold and to apply as a cold compress for players who become overheated.
• Bring a sun umbrella – a little shade will go a long way to help a player cool down.
Remember that supporters are also out in the heat, so ensure that you bring enough water for yourself to drink, too.
And what about my practice? Coaches are encouraged to focus on less physically demanding drills at practices for the duration of the heatwave. This is a good time to focus on skills, technique and tactics, not fitness or cardio.
Chances of a thunderstorm are also greater during a humidex advisory. Please keep on the lookout for lightning. "If you can see it (lightning) flee it; if you can hear it (thunder) clear it."

Adverse Weather Guidelines (from Ontario Soccer Association)
________________________________________

Use the Flash to Bang method to monitor lightning for evacuation of the playing field to a safer environment. With this method the seconds are counted from the time a flash of lightning is seen until a clap of thunder is heard. When this number is 30 seconds or less, evacuation of the field should get under way. Lightning awareness should begin with the first flash of lightning seen or thunder clap heard.

Large enclosed structures (substantially constructed buildings) tend to be much safer than smaller or open structures. If the game is inside a stadium, encourage all players and coaches to go to the dressing rooms. If however, such a building is not available, fully enclosed vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, vans, fully enclosed farm vehicles, etc. with the windows rolled up provide good shelter from lightning. Never stand under trees, in an open field or under an umbrella.

The game should not be restarted until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder was heard or the last flash of lightning was seen.

If you observe lightning during a game, please bring it to the attention of the referee. They are paying attention to what is happening on the field of play, not what is happening in the sky.

 HEAT ALERT — Avoiding and Preventing Heat Related Injuries When Playing Soccer - May 31, 2011 1:43 pm
Proper Hydration is key to AVOID AND PREVENT HEAT RELATED INJURIES WHEN PLAYING SOCCER There are some simple guidelines which have been prepared by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) when it comes to running activities in a hot and/or humid environment.