Fields Status & Weather Policy

ELL Weather & Environmental Conditions Policy

Erindale Little League (ELL) works to minimize unnecessary travel due to weather; however, weather is unpredictable. Players, coaches, and umpires must plan to attend scheduled games unless notified otherwise. All pre-arrival cancellations will be communicated through TeamSnap.

It is always the responsibility of the parents or guardians to decide whether their child attends a sporting event. Attendance is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of the family.

1. Inclement Weather Procedures

1.1 Before Arrival at the Field

• The City of Mississauga may revoke field permits up to 4:00 p.m. due to unsafe field conditions.
• If permits are revoked, ELL will immediately notify participants of cancellation.
• If permits remain active, ELL will continue monitoring conditions and may cancel up to 30 minutes before game time.
• Cancellations may be due to rain, unsafe field conditions, thunderstorms, extreme heat or smoke.
• If no message is sent, all participants should attend as scheduled.

1.2 At the Field

• Umpires and Head Coaches may cancel or delay games if fields are unsafe or if thunder or lightning occurs. A decision may be made by either two Head Coaches, or by one Head Coach and one Umpire, provided there is mutual agreement.
• Conditions may vary by location.

1.3 During the Game

• Head Coaches and Umpires will jointly assess safety and may stop play at any time. A decision may be made by either two Head Coaches, or by one Head Coach and one Umpire, provided there is mutual agreement.

2. Lightning & Thunder Safety

ELL follows Environment Canada guidelines.

2.1 Seek shelter immediately if lightning is seen.

• Use a fully enclosed building or a metal-roofed vehicle.
• Players should go to their parent/guardian’s vehicle.
• Do not remain at the diamond.

2.2 If thunder is heard, play may be suspended by a decision of either two Head Coaches or one Umpire. Once play is suspended, all activity must cease, and a minimum of 30 minutes must pass after the last occurrence of thunder before play may resume.

2.3 Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning before resuming activity.

Coaches and Umpires should use Environment Canada’s Canadian Lightning Danger Map to guide decisions.

3. Playing in the Heat

Players must arrive hydrated, with sunscreen applied, and with sufficient water. Coaches and parents should monitor for signs of heat illness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling.

Heat Zones (Humidex / “Feels Like”)

BLUE (10°C–26°C)

• Normal play; hydration and sunscreen.

GREEN (27°C–35°C)

• Pre-hydration encouraged.
• Frequent hydration breaks and player rotation.

YELLOW (36°C–38°C)

• All games continue.
• Coaches are required to closely monitor all players, especially catchers and pitchers.
• Practices shortened at coach discretion.

ORANGE (39°C–42°C)

• T-Ball cancelled.
• Rookie, Minor and Major games continue.
• A decision to cancel a game may be made either by mutual agreement between the two Head Coaches or by the Head Umpire at game time.
• Coaches are required to closely monitor all players, especially catchers and pitchers.
• Recommended shortened practices for Rookie, Minor and Major.

RED (43°C+)

• All practices and games cancelled.

Note: Humidex may change throughout the day. Coaches should check conditions near game time. Parents/guardians ultimately decide participation based on their child’s health and tolerance.

4. Elevated Smoke Conditions (AQHI)

Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) will be used.

GREEN (1–6)

• Normal play.

YELLOW (7–9)

• All league games may be cancelled (notice up to 1 hour prior).

• A decision to cancel a game may be made either by mutual agreement between the two Head Coaches or by the Head Umpire at game time.
• Any player who is unable to attend a game for any reason must notify the coach directly as soon as possible. Please update your availability in TeamSnap and send the coach a private message through TeamSnap so that alternate player arrangements can be made.
• Coaches are required to closely monitor all players, especially catchers and pitchers.
• Shortened practices recommended.

RED (10+)

• All practices and games cancelled (notice up to 1 hour prior).

ELL will issue updates whenever cancellations are required due to extreme conditions.