Purpose:

To ensure the safety of all participants, coaches, and spectators during inclement weather conditions.

Scope:

This policy applies to all sports activities and events organized by the Fountain City Recreation Commission (FCRC), including, but not limited to baseball, basketball, softball, football, and cheerleading.

Weather Conditions Covered:

1. Thunderstorms and Lightning:
   • All outdoor activities will be suspended immediately if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius.
   • All outdoor activities will be suspended immediately if thunder is heard.
   • Activities may resume 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.
   • Participants and volunteers should seek shelter in a safe, enclosed space (e.g., a building or vehicle). Dugouts and/or trees are not considered safe shelters.
2. Heavy Rain and Flooding:
   • Activities will be postponed or canceled if heavy rain creates unsafe playing conditions or if there is a risk of flooding.
   • Fields and courts will be inspected for safety before resuming activities.
3. Extreme Heat:
   • Frequent water breaks will be mandated, and shaded areas will be provided.
   • Coaches will monitor participants for signs of heat-related illnesses.
   • Activities will be modified or rescheduled if the heat index reaches 95°F or higher.
   • For a heat index of 95°F - 99°F
     • Maximum practice time is 2 hours.*
     • For All Sports: Provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour with a minimum duration of
       4 minutes each.
     • For Football: Players are restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice that
       does not involve contact, and all protective equipment must be removed during conditioning
       activities. If the WBGT rises to this level during practice, players may continue to work out
       wearing football pants without changing to shorts.
   • For a heat index of 100°F - 104°F
     • Maximum practice time is 1 hour. *
     • For All Sports: There must be 20 minutes of rest breaks distributed throughout the hour of
       practice and no conditioning activities.
     • For Football: No protective equipment may be worn during practice that does not involve
       contact.
   • For a heat index above 104°F
     • No outdoor practice. An outdoor practice cannot take place until WBGT level is 92.0 or below or
       heat index is 104 or below.
4. Cold Weather:
   • Outdoor activities will be canceled if the wind chill is below 32°F.
   • Participants should dress in layers and wear appropriate cold-weather gear.
5. Snow and Ice:
   • Activities will be canceled if snow or ice creates hazardous conditions.
   • Facilities will be inspected and cleared of snow and ice before resuming activities.

Knox County Schools:

Our programs may utilize Knox County Schools facilities. As part of this agreement, if KCS closes schools for inclement weather, FCRC will cancel the associated activities.

Communication:

• Cancellations or postponements will be communicated via email, social media, TeamSnap and/or the Fountain City Recreation Commission website.
• Coaches will also notify participants and their families directly.

Responsibility:

• Coaches and officials are responsible for monitoring weather conditions and making decisions regarding the safety of activities.
• Participants and their families are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and follow the guidance provided by the Commission.
• Participants and families should immediately notify the Commission, by e-mail at info@fountaincitysports.org ,  if they feel this policy has been disregarded.

Review and Updates:

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure the safety of all participants.
By adhering to this policy, we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all our youth sports activities, regardless of the weather conditions in East Tennessee.