USA Sport Group offers a wide range of sports programs across a large geographic area. On an hourly basis we strive to make informed decisions based on weather forecasts and radar readings to benefit the children attending our classes. Unfortunately, predicting the weather is not a perfect science and while we endeavor to make the correct call, we know that we can't please everyone all of the time. We do try though, please bear with us!
In cases of inclement weather parents should check their class status on the Weather Alerts Page. This page will list all cancelled classes and any classes with an indoor rain location. If your program is not listed then your class will be running as scheduled or a decision may be made at the location. In the event of light showers all programs will continue as scheduled, providing the playing area is safe. Parents should dress their child appropriately for the weather conditions, as sessions will go ahead regardless of damp weather, providing the coach deems the playing area safe to continue. For Tennis programs, coaches will make every effort to clear surface water caused by any recent rainfall; the session will go ahead providing the area can be made safe for play.
Make-Ups* If your scheduled session is cancelled USA Sport Group will work with the Recreation Department to attempt to make up lost time. For weekly programs, sessions may be made up by adding additional time onto the remaining sessions or by adding an additional week to the program. For week-long camps and clinics, if possible, lost time will be made up by adding additional time to the remaining sessions. If USA Sport Group is unable to make up the lost time then a pro-rated credit voucher will be issued for time missed. Credit vouchers will not be issued for any lost time that is less than one full session or day. Cash refunds will not be issued for weather cancellations. *For programs where registration is not directly taken by USA Sport Group, refund policies may differ.
It's raining, what should I do? Prior to a camp/class starting: In the event of rain, parents should check the Weather Alerts Page, where all cancelled classes will be listed. If your class is not listed please attend your session as scheduled. Please dress your child appropriately. During a camp or class: If your child is on site and weather conditions deteriorate please check the Weather Alerts Page. The program will continue in the event of light rain or passing showers. At locations where there is no shelter we will try to provide canopies for cover. If weather conditions become unplayable and shelter cannot be provided, the program may be cancelled for the remainder of the day and you may be required to collect your child from program.
What happens is the event of Thunderstorms? In the event of thunderstorms, the program will be suspended until the storm passes. Lightening storms are unpredictable so a 30 minute rule is enforced on all USA Sport Group programs. 30 minutes will be counted from when the last strike of lightening was seen. If the storm passes, play will continue, however, if the storm continues the program may be cancelled and you will be required to collect your child from the program.
How early do we decide if a class is cancelled? We strive to make informed decisions for all classes by checking the weather forecasts and radar frequently. In light of this, decisions are typically made 1 hour before a session is scheduled to take place. Due to the nature of the wide geographical area in which we run our programs, sometimes you may be asked to report to the field where the final decision will be made by the coaches present as they will be more equipped to make the correct decision. The coaches decision will be based on the current weather and field conditions. If conditions deteriorate after a program has started you may be required to collect your child. When dropping your child at a program coaches will try to inform parents if adverse weather conditions are expected. Please ensure coaches are given the best contact phone number to reach you on in this situation.
It is raining, why is my class not listed on the Weather Alerts Page? We strive to ensure the best decisions are made for each individual program by checking the weather forecasts and radar frequently. However, sometimes this technology is not truly accurate, in such instances our office staff members rely on our on field staff to relay the actual weather condition once they have arrived on location. If your program is not listed we ask parents to attend the session as scheduled, where coaches will make a decision based on current weather and field conditions.
It has been raining all night / day. Will my class be cancelled? All decisions are made based on the forecast for the time of your scheduled class. Please check the Weather Alerts Page to find out if your class is cancelled or moved to an indoor location. Parents should dress their child appropriately for the weather conditions, as the session will go ahead regardless of damp weather if the coach deems the playing area safe to continue. For Tennis programs, coaches will make every effort to clear surface water caused by any recent rainfall; the session will go ahead providing the area can be made safe for play. If your child is on a day camp the start time of your class may be postponed until the bad weather passes. Please check the Weather Alerts Page for up to date information.
It is a clear day and my class is cancelled, why? In cases where rainfall has been heavy the previous day or night Township Recreation Departments will often close their playing fields to protect the playing surfaces. In this event, the decision is out of our hands and programs must be cancelled.
Why are only some classes listed as cancelled? USA Sport Group offers a wide range of sports programs across the North East. All Weather decisions are based on the forecast for each individual town. It is also possible that one town may close their fields while another does not.
Why do I have to go to field for the coaches to make a decision? We rely heavily upon the weather forecast and the radar to make our decisions, however it is impossible to know exact weather conditions at each location until our coaches arrive and weather conditions often change quickly. Therefore, there are times when due to the nature of scattered storms / showers you may be asked to report to the field where the decision will be made by the coach. The coaches decision will be based on the weather and field conditions at the time. What happens in cases of extreme heat? During the summer, at locations where there is no shade or shelter USA Sport Group will provide canopies for cover, to allow children to sit and cool down during snack breaks. On hot days water breaks are essential and are typically every 10 to 15 minutes. To avoid dehydration it is vital that children bring plenty of water (at least 1 gallon), and hats and sunscreen are advised. All of our coaches are first aid qualified, and are trained to recognize the signs of heat related illnesses. To prevent such illnesses your child’s coach will ensure all participants hydrate and reapply sunscreen frequently throughout the day.
