Morton Grove AYSO Weather Policy
Soccer is an Outdoor sport
Our policy in general is to play through light rain, wind, and snow flurries, however game time decisions will be made at the discretion of the MG AYSO Board Members, referees and coaches per the following guidelines. Note the same discretion should be used by coaches during practice sessions.- The referee shall suspend play if the referee sees lightning or hears thunder. The referee may act on information from assistant referees, coaches, or others who he has asked to monitor weather conditions.
- The referee shall suspend play if they hear one long blast from the Thor-Guard* system.
- The referee shall suspend play if the field conditions become hazardous for the players.
- Play will not resume until the all of the following conditions are met:
– The Thor-Guard system, if it was activated during the suspension, has indicated an all clear with three short blasts, OR, thirty minutes have past since the last time lightning was sighted or thunder heard, if the Thor-Guard system did not operate.
– The referee feels that the weather and field conditions are safe to continue play.
If weather or field conditions are in question prior to games starting then members of the AYSO Board will evaluate the situation and determine if games should be held. Updates will be available on the MG AYSO Facebook page if games are cancelled.Morton Grove Thor Guard*
The Morton Grove Park District has added a new safety measure to help protect our community from dangerous lightning strikes. The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System is installed in 14 parks throughout the district.The system is designed to reduce the danger of lightning strikes with a warning that will blast 8 to 20 minutes before a potential strike.
How Thor Guard Works
When a lightning threat is detected within a 2.5 mile radius of the system:
- A 15-second uninterrupted horn blast will sound along with a continuous strobe flash
- All outdoor activities will be suspended and park patrons should immediately seek shelter in a building or closed automobile and remain in shelter until threat has passed.
When lightning threat potential has passed:
- A horn will sound three short blasts
- Strobe light will turn off
Thor Guard Activation
The system will be active seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – April through October
TAKE CAUTION!
Anytime there is threatening weather, you should use your best judgement and take shelter – even if a signal has not been sounded. The Thor Guard system is meant to assess conditions, it is not a guarantee of safety.
*Source: http://mortongroveparks.com/thor-guard-lightning-detection-system/