Houston United Girls Flag Football League is committed to the safety of every player, coach, parent, and spectator at every league activity. Houston-area weather during the Fall season includes a range of conditions that can impact outdoor play — heat, thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and the tail end of hurricane season. This policy explains how Houston United monitors weather, makes decisions about cancellations and modifications, and communicates with families.
Decision Authority
Weather-related decisions for league games and events are made by Houston United league leadership, in coordination with Community Fieldhouse staff. Community Fieldhouse facility policies take precedence whenever they apply, particularly regarding lightning protocol and field conditions. Coaches, parents, and players are expected to follow league and venue decisions without dispute.
Lightning
Houston United follows the lightning policy established by Community Fieldhouse for all on-site activities. In general:
• All outdoor play is suspended at the first sign of lightning in the area
• Players, coaches, and spectators must move to shelter as directed by venue staff and league leadership
• Play does not resume until the venue's all-clear is given. The specific clearing interval is determined by Community Fieldhouse policy (typically a defined number of minutes after the last observed lightning strike)
• If a game is in progress when play is suspended and cannot resume within a reasonable window, the game may be ended early, rescheduled, or declared final at the score in effect at the time of suspension, at league discretion
Lightning safety is non-negotiable. There are no exceptions for the importance of a game, the time remaining, or the inconvenience of stopping play.
Rain
Light rain does not typically result in cancellation. Games at Community Fieldhouse are played on turf fields, which generally drain well and remain playable in moderate rainfall. However:
• Heavy rain that affects player visibility, footing, or ball handling may result in game suspension or cancellation at league discretion
• Lightning accompanying rain triggers the lightning protocol above, regardless of rain intensity
• Standing water on fields, or field conditions deemed unsafe by Community Fieldhouse staff, will result in cancellation
Tropical Weather and Hurricanes
The Houston United season runs from August 15 through approximately October 10, which overlaps with the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. In the event of a named storm, tropical depression, or other significant tropical weather affecting the Houston area:
• Houston United will monitor National Weather Service forecasts closely beginning at least 5 days out from any scheduled game day
• Decisions to cancel or postpone may be made up to 5 days in advance if forecasts indicate severe weather is likely
• Player and family safety takes priority over schedule continuity. We will cancel proactively rather than wait for unsafe conditions to develop
• In the event of evacuation orders affecting the Houston area, all league activities are suspended
Air Quality
On rare occasions, air quality in the Houston area may be impacted by smoke, dust, or other pollutants. Houston United may modify or cancel games when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches levels considered unsafe for outdoor youth physical activity, generally AQI 151 ("Unhealthy") or above for sensitive groups. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Notification Process
Weather-related decisions are communicated to teams and families through the following channels, in priority order:
• Houston United registration platform notifications (TeamSnap or equivalent) — primary channel
• Email to all team contacts and registered free agents
• Posts to the Houston United social media accounts
• Updates to the Houston United website (homepage banner or alert)
Notification timing:
• For anticipated weather (heat, tropical storms, forecast severe weather): notification typically by 8:00 AM on game day for that day's games, or earlier if the situation warrants. Tropical weather decisions may be made days in advance.
• For developing weather (sudden storms, lightning approach): notification in real time during games, communicated through coaches and on-site league staff
Parents and coaches are responsible for monitoring league communications on game days. Houston United is not responsible for missed notifications due to outdated contact information or unread messages.
Make-Up Games
When a Saturday's games are cancelled due to weather, Houston United will attempt to adjust the league schedule to accommodate make-up games where possible. However:
• Make-ups are not guaranteed and depend on field availability at Community Fieldhouse, referee availability, team tournament conflicts, and remaining weeks in the season
• If a make-up is not feasible, the cancelled weeks will not be replayed. The regular season may be shortened by the number of weeks lost
• Playoffs and championship structure will be adjusted as needed based on the number of regular season games actually played
• Standings, playoff seeding, and final outcomes will reflect games that were actually played and will not be calculated based on assumed or hypothetical results from cancelled games
Refunds for Weather Cancellations
Weather cancellations do not trigger automatic refunds. Houston United incurs substantial fixed costs (field rental commitments, insurance, league administration, t-shirts and rings, All-Star uniforms, equipment) regardless of whether all scheduled games are played. The registration fee covers participation in the league as a whole, not a per-game basis.
In the event that significant portions of the season are cancelled due to weather, Houston United will work in good faith with affected teams to determine an appropriate remedy, which may include credit toward a future season, prorated refunds, or other arrangements at league discretion. See the Force Majeure section of the Refund Policy for the broader framework that applies.
Player Safety Responsibilities
In addition to league and venue protocols, parents and coaches play important roles in player safety:
• Parents: Ensure your player arrives at games with sufficient water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. Do not send a player to a game when they are visibly ill or unwell.
• Coaches: Monitor your players for signs of weather-related distress. Enforce water breaks. Remove any player exhibiting symptoms from play immediately and notify parents and league staff. Comply with all venue and league weather decisions without negotiation.
• Players: Speak up to your coach if you feel unwell. Drink water during breaks. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions.
Questions and Reporting
Questions about this policy can be directed to info@houstonunitedgirlsflag.org. To report a weather-related safety concern at a game or league event, notify the on-site league representative immediately, then follow up in writing to info@houstonunitedgirlsflag.org.