Weather Safety Policy

At Without Limits – Team Galaxy, the safety of our athletes, coaches, and volunteers is our top priority. This weather policy ensures clear procedures are in place to respond to extreme weather conditions—including heat, lightning, rain, wind, snow/ice, and air quality hazards.
Our approach follows weather guidelines established by Special Olympics Illinois and national safety standards like NOAA/National Weather Service.
General Guidelines

• Coaches will monitor weather conditions using the National Weather Service
• Final decisions to cancel or delay activities rest with the Head Coach and SOAD
• Coaches must carry an up-to-date athlete roster with emergency contact info
• In the event of forecasted severe weather, notifications should be made at least two hours prior to start time
• Coaches should assign someone to monitor real-time radar if inclement weather is forecasted during the event

Note: Facility-specific weather protocols (e.g., lightning detection systems) will override these policies when more stringent.

Rain Policy

• Cancellations will be made as late as possible to give practices/events a chance to proceed
• Coaches should provide a minimum two-hour notice if cancellation is necessary due to field closures or unsafe conditions

Hot Weather Guidelines
90–94°F -- Modify training, schedule water breaks every 10 minutes
95–101°F -- Training should be reviewed or relocated indoors
102°F+ -- All outdoor activities canceled
Heat Advisory -- Events canceled if a Heat Warning is issued

• Coaches must provide shaded areas and ensure water is available
• These decisions are made by the SOAD and Head Coach

Cold Weather Guidelines
Below -10°F -- Outdoor activities canceled
If training proceeds in borderline conditions:

• Move indoors if possible
• Ensure athletes are properly dressed
• Limit time outside and monitor closely

Air Quality Guidelines

• Outdoor activities must be moved indoors, canceled, or rescheduled if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 100 or higher in the local area
• Coaches can check AQI using AirNow.gov

Lightning Safety Protocol
If lightning is detected within 8 miles or thunder is heard:

• Stop the activity immediately
• Move all participants to safe shelter:
• Best: Fully enclosed building with plumbing and electricity
• Second-best: Enclosed metal vehicle with windows closed
• Avoid: Trees, fences, open shelters, and water sources

30-Minute Rule:

• Resume only 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning
• If lightning/thunder occurs again, restart the 30-minute countdown
• Facility alert systems take precedence where installed

Best Practices for Coaches

• Check forecasts before each practice or event
• Designate safe shelters in advance
• Avoid risky outdoor settings during thunderstorm forecasts
• Never prop open facility doors—doing so compromises safety
• Educate athletes on weather safety procedures
• Avoid using plumbing or electronics during storms

Questions?  For clarification or implementation support, please contact [email protected]
This policy aligns with Special Olympics Illinois standards and Safe Athlete Weather Safety Guidelines for Sports Teams.