Dynasty Futbol Academy
Environmental and Weather Policy
Players safety and well being is or biggest priority when it comes participation in our programs, camps, and clinics. Environmental and Weather conditions can drastically impact player performance, health, and safety. Extreme temperatures, severe weather and the integrity of the playing field and its equipment all impact players’ ability to practice, develop, and compete safely. Dynasty Futbol Academy utilizes U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program which gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental and weather conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field.
Inclement Weather
We strive to get all Academy sessions in when it is safe for all of a participants to step on the field. Rain, Lightning, Ice/Snow, below freezing temperatures, and extreme heat are all factors that we look at when determining the health and safety of our players, coaches, and spectators during our sessions. Our number one priority is making sure our players can train, develop, and perform at their best every time they are with Dynast Futbol Academy. If we have to cancel we strive to communicate these decisions by 3:00pm Monday through Friday and by 8:00am on the weekends. Most of the facilities we use are rented and our governed by other entities (e.g., Town of Holly Springs, Town of Fuquay-Varina, Town of Angier) who determine whether to open or close fields for that day. Typically these entities do not make decisions until 2:30pm in hopes that conditions will improve and allow us to play.
Our communication will come through email and/or SMS if you have registered your device when you registered your player. We will also update our social media pages and if you have signed up for our app on you phone you can be notified there as well. There is always the off chance that we are gearing up to take the field when weather strikes. If we go on a delay we are required to wait 30 minutes from the last lightning strike with-in the mile range set by our Academy Director. All coaching staff will have lightning detectors on their phone and will utilize this when making a decision at the field. If we suspend or cancel a session, you will be notified as quickly as possible so that you can return to the field if you are away to gather your participant. We respectfully request that all players wait in their vehicles during a delay and not out in the elements. If we decide to cancel the session our coaching staff will remain at the facility until all players are safely picked up. We will always do our best to make up sessions canceled due to inclement weather.
Cold Weather Guidelines
The effects of cold weather can significantly impact the health and safety of participants in Academy sessions. Making a conscious effort to prepare for these sessions is vital to each players development. It is very difficult to perform at your best when you are worried about being cold. We will monitor all players during cold weather sessions to make sure they that they are not at risk of injury, cold stress, frostbite, or hypothermia. If we feel a player is getting close to these cold weather threats we will contact their parents/guardians and get them into a warm location to avoid any further exposure to the elements and to help them recover. When temperatures start dropping below 32 degrees will start implementing our inclement weather procedures.
Dress for the Cold
As temperatures begin to drop and wind increases, the body loses heat more rapidly. With youth players it is harder for their bodies to maintain temperature. It is important that they dress appropriately for sessions in cold weather conditions.
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Layering clothing in a specific way is recommended and prover effective. The layers can be added or removed based on body temperature and changing environmental conditions.
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We encourage players to wear additional clothing during cold weather sessions like gloves, sweat shirts, sweat pants, and hats or headbands. Also we recommend that players avoid sweating before taking the field as this will increase the speed at which their body cools in cold weather conditions.
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Recommended Layering Method:
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Inner Layer - Wicking Layer (Wool or polyester)
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Middle Layer - Insulated Layer (Fleece or wool)
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Outer Layer - Water and Wind proof layer
Stay Dry
Damp and wet conditions increase the risk of injury or illness during cold weather sessions. Players and coaches should recognize these factors and utilize caution to watch for potential cold weather injuries.
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We strongly recommend players have dry clothing in their bag during wet or damp cold weather sessions. It is advised that players remove their wet or saturated clothing and replace it with dry clothing to help maintain proper body temperature. This is especially important if they are going to remain out on the field for training sessions or waiting around for prolonged period of time.
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Recommended Extra Clothing To Keep In Players Bag:
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Extra Socks and Shoes
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Extra Wicking Layer
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Extra Insulated Layer
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Extra Gloves and Hat
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Extra Pants
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Towel to Dry off
Heat and Hydration
Extreme heat can impact players' health and safety during academy sessions. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps, Heat Exhaustion and potentially heat stroke. Players should drink water before, during and after all academy sessions, which means participants should bring adequate water to all sessions. Dynasty Futbol Academy will have guidelines in place for hydration breaks during all activities in extreme temperature conditions. We will never utilize the desire to play to cloud our decision making-process when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of those on the field. We may shorten sessions, move sessions to earlier or later time slots when it is cooler to offset the extreme temperature conditions to get most out of each session and the development of our players.
Signs of Dehydration
Hydration is a key factor in a player being able to perform at their best during sessions. In all weather situations it is important that players remain hydrated before, during and after sessions.
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Thirst is a warning that your body is in an early stage of dehydration. Recognizing the signs of dehydration listed below are important because the amount of water required will vary from player to player.
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Dry Sticky Mouth
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Sleepiness or Tiredness
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Headache
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Dizziness or Lightheadedness
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Rapid Heartbeat
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Rapid Breathing
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Fever
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In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
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After training sessions, it is important that you try to put back in what your body sweated out. Water and electrolytes will help with this process of recovery after a session and help alleviate any Heat related symptoms or illnesses.
Heat Related Illness
Heat Cramps:​
Heat Cramps usually affect those who sweat a lot during soccer activities. This sweating depletes the bodies salt level, as well as hydration. Low salt levels lead to painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be signs of heat exhaustion.
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Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Someone suffering from heat exhaustion may appear confused or disoriented and can lead to extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness and Nausea.
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Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its tempreature. Someone suffering heat stroke will be dizzy and confused. They may slur their speech, have hallucinations or complain of a throbbing headache. While their skin may be warm to the touch, they may actually complain of chills. If you suspect heat stroke contact emergency medical (9-1-1)
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Sun Safety Guidlines
Ultraviolet Exposure is something that Academy participants will endure during sessions quite often. Whether it is a bright and sunny day or there is overcast. The potential for UV damage rises as the UV index rises. Below are Guidelines to follow when participating in Academy Sessions.​
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Use a broad spectrum, water resistant (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with and SPF of 30 or higher. Physical sunscreens with Zincor titanium dioxide are particularly effective
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One ounce of Sunscreen (two tablespoons) is typically needed to provide adequate coverage to the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs
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All participants should apply sunscreen 15 minutes prior to getting on the field for sessions. Parents may need to assist younger players to ensure proper application.
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Reapplication is neccessary at least every two hours for prolonged outdoor exposure or with heavy perspiration
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Parental permission is required to use another players sunscreen due to potential allergic reactions to ingredients in certain sunscreens.