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
