Environmental Policies
Aledo Soccer Club follows US Soccer weather and environmental safety standards at every training and match. When conditions turn unsafe, player safety comes before the game — every time.
Safety first, always.
These policies apply to all Aledo Soccer Club programs — youth, select, camps, and men's semi-pro. Decisions to modify, delay, or cancel activity rest with our coaches and staff, and we ask families to support those calls quickly and without exception.
The 30-Minute Rule
At the first sign of lightning or thunder, all activity stops immediately and everyone moves to a safe, enclosed shelter. Play does not resume until 30 minutes have passed after the last observed lightning strike or clap of thunder. Each new strike restarts the 30-minute clock. If in doubt, we sit it out — no exceptions.
- First flash or rumble: clear the field immediately.
- Shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle — never under trees or on open ground.
- 30-minute countdown restarts with each strike.
- Coaches and staff make the call; parents please cooperate quickly.
Texas summers are serious. We monitor the heat index before and during activity and adjust sessions accordingly — adding mandatory water breaks, shortening sessions, moving to shaded or cooler times of day, and cancelling when conditions are unsafe. Players should arrive hydrated and dressed for the heat.
- Activity modified or suspended in high heat-index conditions.
- Frequent mandatory water breaks built into every session.
- Light-colored clothing, hats where possible, and sunscreen encouraged.
- Watch for cramping, dizziness, or nausea — tell a coach immediately.
When temperatures and wind chill drop, we layer up and keep moving. Sessions may be shortened or cancelled in extreme cold or wind chill. Players should come dressed in appropriate warm layers, gloves, and hats, and keep warm between activity.
- Sessions modified or cancelled in extreme cold or wind chill.
- Dress in warm layers — long sleeves, gloves, and a hat.
- Keep moving and stay warm between drills.
- Watch for shivering or numbness — tell a coach immediately.
Hydration Standards
Hydration is a year-round expectation, not just a summer one. Every player should arrive already hydrated and bring a labeled water bottle to every training and match. Coaches build in water breaks, and players are always free to drink when they need to.
- Bring a full, labeled water bottle to every session.
- Arrive hydrated — drink water throughout the day, not just at the field.
- Water breaks are built into every session and always allowed.
- Rest and recovery matter as much as effort.
Download the full guidelines.
Keep the official US Soccer heat and cold guidelines on hand for the season. Questions about a specific policy? Reach out to the club.