Severe Weather Policy

At Bay Area Soccer Association, we're dedicated to the safety of our players, coaches, game officials, and spectators. Rain or shine, we're committed to playing soccer, but safety is our top priority.

When it comes to severe weather, particularly lightning, we adhere to strict protocols. Lightning poses the greatest safety risk to everyone involved. Therefore, if lightning is detected, all activities will be immediately suspended until it is deemed safe to resume.

Your safety matters to us. Please familiarize yourself with our severe weather policy below.

Ensuring player safety is paramount at the Bay Area Soccer Association (BASA). The BASA board members have the ultimate authority to halt any soccer match if they perceive a risk to players, coaches, or spectators, including weather-related hazards.

In the event of severe weather, the BASA board member in charge will sound an air horn, signaling the need to clear the fields and seek shelter. Two long blasts indicate the need to shelter in place, and this signal may be repeated if necessary.

Match Officials are responsible for stopping a match if severe weather poses an unacceptable risk to players during official play. Coaches, meanwhile, are accountable for player safety before and after the match periods. They are encouraged to consult with BASA board members and Match Officials regarding safety concerns.

While a BASA board member may not always be present, everyone involved shares the responsibility to intervene if players are at risk during severe weather. At BASA, player safety comes first, always.

At BASA, it's crucial for all players, coaches, game officials, and spectators to be familiar with the 30/30 rule of lightning safety.

30 Seconds: When you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds until you hear the sound of thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, the lightning source is within 6 miles, and players are at risk.

30 Minutes: Once lightning risk is identified, everyone should seek shelter immediately. Play should not resume until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike.

Remember, safety is our top priority at BASA. Please adhere to these guidelines to ensure the well-being of all involved.

In the event of lightning, the safest shelter for players, spectators, and coaches is inside a car with a metal roof. It's important to note that the metal frame of the car, not the rubber wheels, provides protection.

Avoid seeking shelter in open areas, including under trees or under the BASA pavilion. Lightning strikes can create high current surface arcs that radiate from the strike point, posing a significant danger within a radius of 20-30 yards. Standing under a tall tree, in a pavilion, or out in the open can be extremely hazardous.

Prioritize safety by promptly moving to the designated shelter areas during severe weather situations. Your well-being is our priority at BASA.

Parents and players are kindly reminded not to leave the premises if sheltering is required, as games will be resumed if conditions permit.

During sheltering, the BASA board member in charge will utilize an air horn to communicate updates, including the resumption or cancellation of games. Three short blasts on the air horn indicate an "all clear" signal, which may be repeated as needed.

If severe weather prolongs or matches cannot be resumed, coaches are responsible for coordinating match rescheduling if necessary.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we prioritize safety and ensure the smooth continuation of our games.

At BASA, we prioritize the safety of our youth players, coaches, game officials, and spectators, especially during severe weather events like tornadoes.

We diligently monitor severe weather activity and, depending on its severity, a decision to evacuate the premises will be made by an attending board member or the board member in charge. In the absence of a board member, evacuation becomes the only safe option.

When evacuation is necessary, it's crucial that all vehicles leave the premises in a safe and orderly manner. Please drive slowly and remain vigilant for pedestrians seeking shelter in neighboring vehicles.

Your cooperation during these situations is greatly appreciated as we strive to ensure the well-being of everyone at BASA.