Extreme Temperature and Air Quality Guidelines - Summary chart
Decisions should be made by 1:00 PM on days when Environment Canada (EC) predictions of high temperatures and humidex values are available. Use estimates of temperature and humidex as predicted by Environment Canada (EC) up to 7 hours before game kick-off times.
The SOSA League mandates water breaks at approximately the quarters of game time (halfway through each half) when the temperature exceeds 28 degrees Celsius or humidex of 30 degrees Celsius.
Breaks will be at approximately the quarters of game time, preferably at natural stoppages in play. The match official will allow unlimited substitutions at that time. Breaks should be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes.
The SOSA League mandates cancelling matches where the temperature at the start of play is predicted to be over 37 degrees Celsius or humidex of 40 degrees Celsius at kick-off time.
When comparing kick-off times to the hourly predictions by Environment Canada, if the exact kick-off time is not stated, then the average of the two closest predictions for that time should be used. For example, for a 6:30 kick-off, take the average of the 6:00 prediction and and 7:00 prediction.
Environment Canada notes the health risks associated with heat illness are greater for older adults, infants and young children and other vulnerable groups.
It warns hot, humid air can also worsen air quality.
League Administrators have the right to cancel or postpone games.
For games that are played in hot weather:
During very hot weather when games are not cancelled, kick-off can be delayed based on predicted temperatures and field availability. Match Officials must confer with Coaches and Team Officials before the start of the game to clarify the timing of water breaks or consider shortening the time played if both coaches agree to do so.
If the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is listed at 6 or 7, this will be treated the same as a hot weather event with extra water/rest breaks recommended and encouraged.
If the AQHI is 8 or higher, then all outdoor soccer activities (such as games, practices, and training sessions) should be cancelled.
If the AQHI is at 6 or 7, but is forecast to get higher, outdoor soccer activities should be cancelled.
The decision whether to cancel based on the AQHI level should be made by 1:00 PM each day to ensure time for communication to participants.
These are guidelines for each club within the SOSA District to follow, and allow them to make the appropriate decision themselves, without having to wait for additional guidance from SOSA.
Because SOSA crosses multiple Health Unit jurisdictions, this policy applies to activities scheduled to take place within the jurisdiction of the Health Unit reporting the AQHI.
AQHI tracking websites:
https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/on_e.html
http://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/index.php
Ontario Soccer is pleased to share a comprehensive update to our Grassroots Soccer Resources, designed to support the consistent and developmentally appropriate delivery of small-sided soccer across the province.
We are excited to release the newly developed Adapted Match Formats Laws of the Game, a unified resource that replaces the previous Small-Sided Laws of the Game document. This new document aligns with the newly mandated Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and consolidates multiple documents into one clear and practical guide.
Click HERE or visit the Ontario Soccer website under Officials – Laws of the Game & Rules.
@sosaleague
Canada Soccer has a severe weather policy. Players, referees, coaches and parents should review this before you go to the field.
30/30 Rule - Lightning safety guideline: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before leaving the shelter.
SOSA & Ontario Soccer ask that all match officials carefully read and implement the policy.
The safety of players, coaches, management and spectators is the primary concern in any weather event that occurs during all matches sanctioned by Canada Soccer. By understanding and following the policy that can be found in the above link, the safety of everyone shall be greatly increased. Ultimately, the referee has the final say over delaying or restarting a match due to weather.
Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in a serious injury or loss of life.
Referees are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such events during matches they are controlling If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. As soon as you hear thunder, quickly get to a safe location. If you see lightning, quickly get to a safe location. More people are struck before and after a thunderstorm than during one. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
October 2025
