Weather Policy Update

Temperature

Summer: When temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F), official UK guidelines recommend limiting vigorous physical activity outdoors and keeping children shaded and hydrated. Therefore water bottles and sun hats are mandatory. Coaches are unable to apply sun screen. Parents are therefore requested to ensure your child can do this themselves or to come in at the start of the session and apply accordingly. If a parent decides they do not wish their child to attend, please inform the school and collect at the end of the school day. Coaches will be available for the session, therefore we are unable to refund the subs for that day.

Winter: Factor that affect training in the winter include…

• Frozen ground: A rock-hard or icy pitch significantly increases the risk of joint sprains, concussions from falls, and bruising.

• Wind Chill: The “feels like” temperature is more important than the reading on the thermometer. A strong wind at 0°C can quickly drop the effective temperature into dangerous territory, increasing the risk to the health of your child.

In periods of cold weather parents should ensure their children have thermal base layers (long sleeves and leggings), tracksuits, gloves, and woolen hats or beanies.

If temperatures are below freezing, the ground is completely frozen or covered in sheet ice, the session will be cancelled.

Bad Weather ‘Forecast’: Weather is checked the day before a session to ensure that conditions are suitable for the children and playing football. If the temperature assessment dictates or snow, heavy rain or lightening risk is forecast, as access to indoor facilities is restricted, then an email will be sent cancelling the session for the next day.

Unfortunately with advanced weather cancellations we are unable to provide a refund, however a credit will be given against a booking within the following block.

Bad Weather ‘On The Day’:

• Light Rain: During the winter children are requested to bring ‘light coats’ or shower proof jackets. Coaching will be available and we will still play football. Parents may choose to collect their children if they do not want their child to play in the rain.
• Heavy Rain: If heavy rain unexpectedly occurs we will default to the school hall / a classroom and football outside will be cancelled. Parents may choose to collect their children if more convenient, however we will be on site to look after the children should work / other commitments mean you are unable to collect before 4.15pm
• Lightning Risk: Children will not be allowed to play outside in the open if there is a risk of lightning regardless of whether the storm has finished locally.

Late Club / After School Provision: Children booked into late club will join us in the alternative location. They will then move to Late Club after the normal session finish time.

Additionally

During the winter, flat soled shoes become a slip risk. Children are required to bring shin pads, long socks and boots with studs. Astro boots may be used if the ground is hard.