For more information, please contact the Vice-President, Julie Workman, at vysovp@gmail.com or the Executive Director, Michelle King, at vysoadmin@gmail.com.
Board members and staff monitor the weather and field conditions each week prior to games and on game days. Games will not be cancelled due to rain unless it is a heavy rain, or it creates a safety issue for players. Games will be played in the hot or cold, with modifications for extreme heat or cold.
Game Delays or Cancellations
Player safety is considered a top priority. Games will be played in the rain unless it is a heavy rain, or it creates a safety issue for players. Board members and staff use weather notification services and a lightning meter to assist in making decisions. Games will be delayed and/or cancelled for the following reasons:
- Lightning in the area
- Flooded or damaged fields
- Safety issues such as heavy rain or sleet
- Other emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
In the event games are delayed and/or cancelled, coaches will be notified. Coaches will then notify parents and players.
Practice Cancellations Due to Lightning/Bad Weather
If there is lightning, or other bad weather, in the Victoria area at 5:00 PM or later, all practices are to be cancelled for the whole day regardless of practice location.
Lightning Policy and Procedures
Games will be stopped when lightning is within 10 miles of the game location. Games will also be stopped when lightning reaches 12 miles from the game location if it appears the storm/lightning is heading in the direction of the game location.
The board members and/or staff on duty will sound the air horn to alert everyone to clear the fields and get in their cars immediately. Further information and/or instructions will be sent to coaches. No one should try to find a board member or staff. Everyone should simply go to their car and await further instructions.
Games cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike that occurred within 10 miles of the game location.
The board members and/or staff on duty will make the decision to delay or cancel games based on weather conditions. For games that were in progress at the time games were stopped, they will determine if games are considered finished or if they will be continued. They will also determine if the remaining games that day will be delayed, shortened, or cancelled.
This lightning policy applies to games and all other VYSO activities.
Please see Standing Rule 6.1 for more information on makeup games and reschedules.
Timing of Decisions for Games
The Board of Directors makes weather related decisions to delay or cancel games as late as possible since the weather in our area is so unpredictable. Decisions to cancel games prior to a game day will be made when the City of Victoria closes Riverside Soccer Complex or there are other reasons games cannot be played.
Friday Afternoon Decisions for Saturday Games
- Cancel games due to flooded or damaged fields
- Cancel games due to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
Saturday Morning Decisions for Saturday Games
- Delay games due to weather or other issues
- Cancel games due to weather, unusable fields, or other issues
Saturday Afternoon Decisions for Sunday Games
- Cancel games due to flooded or damaged fields
- Cancel games due to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
Sunday Morning Decisions for Sunday Games
- Delay games due to weather or other issues
- Cancel games due to weather, unusable fields, or other issues
 | The VYSO Board of Directors adopted the South Texas Youth Soccer Association’s Inclement Weather Guidelines as detailed below. Click here to read the full STYSA Inclement Weather Guidelines. |
Adjustments During Hot Weather
Heat becomes a problem when it prevents the body from cooling itself. The hotter the body gets, the more likely it is to increase fatigue levels, develop cramps and increase the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The hotter and more humid the weather, the faster these problems can develop.
The following adjustments are recommended during hot weather:
| Heat Index | Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Up to 89° | No adjustments |
| 90°–99° | One water break (two-minutes each) per half with running time |
| 100°–105° | Two water breaks (two-minutes each) per half with running time |
| 105° and higher | Suspend games |
Adjustments During Cold Weather
Like heat, cold weather can become a player safety factor. Field conditions will be affected by freezing rain, sleet and snow. The ground may become frozen and unsafe for play.
The following adjustments are recommended during cold weather:
| Temperature* | Adjustments |
|---|---|
| 46° and higher | No adjustments |
| 36°–45° | Allow additional clothing |
| 30°–35° | Shorten games by 5 minutes per half (3 minutes per quarter) |
| 29° and lower | Suspend games |
Additional Clothing During Cold Weather
Players are allowed to dress in appropriate clothing to accommodate colder temperatures.
Additional Clothing Allowed
- Long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, jacket. Must be worn under jersey.
- Long pants, tights, leggings, sweatpants.
- Gloves or mittens
- Stocking caps (beanies) without straps
- Headbands, ear warmers
- Additional socks
Clothing Not Allowed
The following items present a safety hazard and are not allowed to be worn during games:
- Hooded sweatshirts
- Hooded jackets
- Ear muffs
- Scarves