Hot Weather Guidelines
CPSL recommends monitoring the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) whenever possible. When a WBGT reading is not available, the Heat Index / "Feels Like" temperature should be used as a practical guide.
Normal play. Water should be readily available.
Increased hydration encouraged. Referee may authorize additional water breaks.
Mandatory hydration breaks approximately halfway through each half.
Mandatory hydration breaks. Consider shortening halves, increasing recovery time and delaying kickoff when appropriate.
CPSL recommends delaying or suspending play until conditions improve. League/venue officials may cancel matches when conditions remain unsafe.
Hydration Breaks
- Breaks should generally occur approximately halfway through each half.
- The referee should allow approximately 3–4 minutes for players to hydrate.
- Players should be permitted to leave the field for water. Water should be readily available to both teams.
- Additional breaks may be authorized when conditions warrant.
Signs of heat illness: dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, unusual fatigue or weakness, muscle cramping, confusion, loss of coordination or collapse. Any player displaying significant symptoms should be immediately removed from play and evaluated. Suspected heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911 and begin rapid cooling immediately.
Cold Weather Guidelines
CPSL will consider both the actual air temperature and wind chill / "feels like" temperature when determining whether conditions are appropriate for play.
Normal play with appropriate cold-weather clothing.
Use caution. Players should wear appropriate layers and remain dry.
Increased caution. Consider additional warming opportunities and reduced exposure.
Strong consideration should be given to postponing or canceling the match.
CPSL matches should not be played.
Wet conditions, strong winds, snow or freezing precipitation may require matches to be postponed even when temperatures are above these thresholds.
Player protection: Safe cold-weather clothing consistent with the Laws of the Game may include gloves, hats/headbands, long-sleeve base layers, leggings/compression clothing and additional appropriate layers. Wet clothing should be replaced whenever possible.
Signs of cold-related illness: excessive or uncontrollable shivering, numbness, pale or bluish skin, confusion, slurred speech, unusual fatigue/drowsiness or loss of coordination. Anyone suspected of hypothermia or frostbite should immediately be removed from the cold and receive appropriate medical attention.