Weather Policy

Washington Capital United simulates a competitive playing environment. We train year-round, weather permitting. Training sessions are canceled based on the weather conditions noted below. An announcement will be sent by the Director of Soccer Operations, Boys & Girls Program Director, or Club Administrator, via PlayMetrics to all club members as early as possible. These guidelines are based on the USSF guidelines.


WINTER WEATHER


Players are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing to aid body heat retention yet afford adequate movement without creating a safety hazard. Training will be canceled as listed below, if field conditions are unusable due to previous weather events, or if coaching staff deem the training environment to be unsafe.


Younger Age Groups (U10 teams and under):

  • Temperatures (including wind chill) during the session are forecast to be below 30 degrees.
  • Temperatures during the session are forecast to be below 40 degrees with continuous rain.
  • Forecasted to have heavy rain during the session.
  • There is a reasonable chance of thunderstorms during the session.


Older Age Groups (U11 teams and above):

  • Temperatures (including wind chill) during the session are forecast to be below 25 degrees.
  • Temperatures during the session are forecast to be below 35 degrees with continuous rain. 
  • Forecasted to have heavy rain during the session.
  • There is a reasonable chance of thunderstorms during the session.


HOT WEATHER POLICY


The risk of heat-related illness from vigorous sports activity increases with the temperature. Hot weather is considered at any point where the heat index reaches or exceeds 90. As a general rule, training programs will be canceled if the heat index at the start of training is projected to be above 95 degrees. Coaches should exercise caution and provide additional water breaks for temperatures below that.


LIGHTNING AND THUNDER POLICY


At the first sound of thunder, staff will start monitoring the situation. However, at the first sign of thunder accompanied by lightning, all coaches and players are to withdraw from the field and seek proper shelter.


30-Minute Rule: Outdoor activity may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning. The 30-minute clock restarts every time lightning flashes or thunder sounds.


Weather forecasts will be based on  weatherbug.com, using Anacostia, DC as the location.