Weather contingency plan.

I cannot predict the weather for each of the 11 tournament sites that are spread all over Central PA. I will be relying on each Site Coordinator and Senior Referee at each site to assess the weather situation at their site and plan accordingly. During the tournament or game day, only the designated tournament director, site coordinator, or senior referee can make the official call to suspend or cancel play. 

Soccer is generally considered an all-weather sport, and games are often played in light rain. Tournament matches will proceed in light to heavy rain unless there are safety concerns like lightning or unplayable field conditions due to flooding or excessive mud, which can increase the risk of injuries. The ability of the field to drain water is a key factor. If a field can handle the rain, play may continue.

Monitor for lightning: The most immediate and critical threat is lightning. If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, suspend all activity immediately and clear the fields.

Seek proper shelter: Direct everyone to seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped, enclosed metal vehicle. Do not stand under trees, canopies, or open-sided shelters.

Wait out the storm: Resume outdoor activity no sooner than 15 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning.

Assess field conditions: A waterlogged field can be a safety hazard, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and ankle injuries. Playing on a saturated field can also cause long-term damage to the turf. The tournament field closure rules are often determined by the local municipality or parks department, which may close fields if more than a half-inch of rain has fallen in 24 hours. 

During-game procedure If a game is suspended mid-play games will resume if time permits.

Shorten halves: If there is a weather delay, reduce the length of halves to keep the tournament on schedule.

Consider game final: If a weather delay occurs after one half of a game is complete, the final score at the time of suspension may be considered the official result.

Determine standings: For games that are canceled entirely, the remaining matches will go directly to Shootouts if possible. Winners and losers of the shootout will continue through the bracket to decide final placement of teams in the bracket.