SEVERE WEATHER AND LIGHTNING POLICY
Canada Soccer has made a policy change regarding severe weather events. This policy keeps Canada Soccer in step with recommendations from Environment Canada.
EODSA & Ontario Soccer asks that all match officials should be carefully read and implement the policy when required.
The safety of players, coaches, management and spectators is the primary concern in any weather event that occurs during all matches sanctioned by Canada Soccer. By understanding and following the policy that can be found in the above link, the safety of everyone shall be greatly increased. Ultimately, the referee has the final say over delaying or restarting a match due to weather.
Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in a serious injury or loss of life.
Referees are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such events during matches they are controlling If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. As soon as you hear thunder, quickly get to a safe location. More people are struck before and after a thunderstorm than during one. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
