Introduction
This document details ERPR policy in the event inclement weather threatens the Camp Jordan Complex during a game day or evening. This Policy cannot, and does not, protect any or every individual from property damage or injury. A safe and effective response to inclement weather is the responsibility of the individual, parent, and/or guardian. ERPR does not assume any responsibility or liability for injury or property damage due to inclement weather.
NWS & Contact Information
In the event any ERPR official has a question about the threat of a particular storm or the general threat for storms, he/she should dial the public number for the National Weather Service in Morristown: (423) 586-3771
3. Game Day Protocols
ERPR reserves the right to delay, suspend, or cancel play due to anticipated inclement weather conditions.
4. Game In-Progress Protocols
A. Suspensions & Cancellations
Decisions about suspension or cancellation of play will be made by any member of the Board, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee.
B. Communication Methods/Dissemination
Suspension, resumption, cancellation, and related information will be disseminated via the ERPR Facebook page as quickly as practical. All information should also be disseminated via the Rained-Out text message service and/ or the Tourney Machine Mobile app..
5. Lightning Protocols
– Referees and League Officials
This policy does not remove decision-making authority from a referee to suspend play in the event lightning is seen or thunder is heard. Every referee is permitted, unilaterally and at his/her discretion, to suspend play. When play is suspended, referees shall direct players, coaches, and spectators to a fully enclosed structure or vehicle to wait for the league decision on whether the game will resume. Referees shall not make the final decision to cancel a game. ERPR officials are empowered to suspend play in the same manner as a referee. Any ERPR official who observes lightning on the radar in proximity to the Complex based on the below criteria shall suspend and resume play as indicated.
Designated Lightning Shelters
In the event of lightning, all persons should be directed to fully enclosed indoor facilities and vehicles. The Arena shall be the primary shelter in the event of lightning. If the Arena is closed, too far away, or crowded, people should be directed to their cars. No place outside is safe if lightning is in the vicinity. Partially enclosed vending areas, the pavilion, and picnic shelters are not safe.
Suspension & Resumption Protocols
a. When thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a visible lightning strike, or a
cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your
location with lightning. Suspend play for thirty minutes and take shelter immediately.
b. Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the
last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will
reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
The following message should be communicated to coaches and game officials
Lightning has been detected within a dangerous distance of the Complex. Play is suspended until further notice. Immediately leave your field and go to the Indoor facility or your vehicle, then await further instructions on Facebook. Outdoor pavilions are not safe and should be abandoned.
The following will be posted on the Facebook page and disseminated via Rained-Out and/ or Tourney Machine:
Play is suspended due to lightning. Go to the indoor arena or to your car and await further information.
Resumption of Play
Play may resume if 30 minutes have elapsed since the last observed occurrence of lightning and thunder. If suspended due to other severe weather, play resumes after the storm has moved outside a 6 mile radius of the Complex. Lightning rules still apply. ERPR officials/designees have authority to extend the waiting period beyond 30 minutes if deemed necessary.
6. Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch In Effect
A watch indicates that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. A warning means that severe weather has been detected and/or may be imminent. The NWS depicts the warned area in a polygon. Storms do not always move in a predictable, linear fashion. Storms can also develop at or near the Complex and intensify before they are seen on radar.
1. Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch Issued for Camp Jordan Park: the following will be posted on the Facebook page and disseminated via Rained-Out and/ or Tourney Machine:
Camp Jordan is under a [Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado] Watch. Consult reliable weather sources for additional information.
2. Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning Issued for Camp Jordan Park
In the event the Complex is inside a Tornado Warning polygon, the following announcement is made to Coaches and Game Officials:
The National Weather Service has issued a [Severe/Tornado] Warning for Camp Jordan. [Read the warning information in the text of the warning]
The following will be posted on the Facebook page and disseminated via Rained-Out and/ or Tourney Machine:
The NWS has issued a [Severe/Tornado] Warning for our fields. There is no structure on the premises guaranteed safe from a [severe thunderstorm/ tornado].
7. Heat Policy
ERPR maintains the rights to cancel or suspend play independently of these protocols in order to better protect program participants.
A. Game Days
Soccer
Competition when the Heat Index is 95°-104°
The referee shall stop the game for a heat time-out lasting no less than five minutes during the first and second half. The time-out will be called at the first logical time to stop play after the halfway mark of each half.
Football
Competition when the Heat Index is 95°-104°
Officials shall stop the game for a heat time-out at the first dead ball after the halfway point of each quarter. If either team has possession of the ball inside the other team’s twenty yard line, officials may delay this time out until either the offensive team
scores or the ball is turned over.
Baseball
Competition when the Heat Index is 95° - 104°
Athletes should have access to unlimited water before, during and after competition in the dugout area. No mandatory stoppage of play required unless the heat index exceeds 104°.
Softball
Competition when the Heat Index is 95° - 104°
Athletes should have access to unlimited water before, during and after competition in the dugout area. No mandatory stoppage of play required unless the heat index exceeds 104°.
B. Practices
Coaches shall be cognizant of the dangers of heat-related illness and require all players to take frequent water, rest, and shade breaks.