Lightening and MWSA Cancellation Policy

 As you may know, the City of Edmonton occasionally closes access to some or all its fields. When that happens you must not go on these fields. If caught on them by City representatives, YOU will likely be fined $250 and will have to cover the cost yourself. Otherwise, as long as the fields are open you have to go to the field and play your game. You could find out whether City fields are “open” by calling 311 after 4 p.m. (i.e., after field closure details are updated).

Anytime during a game, when thunder is heard, the game is suspended immediately.  Wait 30 minutes.  If no thunder after 30 minutes, proceed with the game.  If thunder is heard prior to the 30 minute mark, restart the clock and wait another 30 minutes.  To review the new CSA policy, click here.

Games can only be stopped by the Center Referee, who will base their decision on field & weather conditions being safe.  Games are considered complete according to the EMSA rule 5.5(3) for minutes played:

Notes: Games are considered finished and results are final if 75% of game is completed.

Minimum official time required for game to be considered complete:

U9 – 45min

U11 – 52.5min

U13 – 60min

U15-U19 – 67.5min

If U13-U19 games need to be rescheduled, follow the EMSA Reschedule Policy & Procedure.

If U9 – U11 games need to be rescheduled, follow the MWSA Reschedule Procedure – Automatic-Rain-Out-U9_U11.

If U5 – U7 games need to be rescheduled, follow the MWSA Reschedule Procedure – RainOutProcedures-MiniU5_U7

If caught outdoors:

  • Keep a safe distance from tall objects, such as trees, hilltops, and telephone poles.
  • Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. Seek shelter in low-lying areas such as valleys, ditches and depressions but be aware of flooding.
  • Stay away from water. Don’t go boating or swimming if a storm threatens and land as quickly as possible if you are on the water. Lightning can strike the water and travel some distance from its point of contact. Don’t stand in puddles even if wearing rubber boots.
  • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (e.g., metal stands or fences, bicycles)
  • Avoid being the highest point in an open area. Swinging a golf club or holding an umbrella could make you a lightning target. Remove shoes with metal cleats.
  • You are safe inside a car, but don’t park near or under trees or other tall objects which may topple over during a storm. Be aware of downed power lines which may be touching your car. You are safe inside the car, but may receive a shock if you step outside.
  • In a forest, seek shelter in a low-lying area under a thick growth of small trees or bushes.
  • Keep alert for flash floods, sometimes caused by heavy rainfall, if seeking shelter in a ditch or low-lying area.
  • If caught in a level field far from shelter and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to hit you. Kneel on the ground immediately, with feet together, place your hands on your knees and bend forward. Don’t lie flat.
  • If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several yards apart.

 Note: Persons struck by lightning receive an electrical shock. They do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled. They may be suffering from burns or shock and should receive medical attention immediately. If their breathing stopped, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be administered. If breathing and pulse are absent, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is required.