WeatheR/Lightning Policy
When inclement weather approaches, the following steps shall be taken for the safety of all players, coaches, referees, support staff, and spectators:
(a) Play must be suspended immediately when a detection system/mobile app confirms a strike within ten (10) miles of the facility. All participants must vacate the field and seek safe shelter.
(b) A thirty (30) minute rule shall apply. Once play is suspended, a thirty (30) minute countdown begins from the last lightning strike. Any new strike resets the thirty (30) minute clock. Play not resume until the full thirty (30) minutes have passed without a new strike.
(c) Facilities equipped with Thor Guard or similar systems must follow their set protocols for suspension and resumption of play. If the system has not activated but verified lightning is detected within ten (10) miles, play must still be suspended.
(d) A maximum sixty (60) minute delay period shall apply as a bright-line rule:
- If a match has not yet started, it must begin within sixty (60) minutes of the original scheduled kickoff time, or it will be rescheduled.
- If a match has already started, play may only be delayed for up to sixty (60) minutes from the time play was stopped. If play cannot safely resume within that window, follow the procedures depending on when the match was suspended.
- The sixty (6) minute limit may be extended only if both teams mutually agree to continue waiting. In such case, the League recommends that extensions beyond sixty (60) minutes be limited to reasonable circumstances (eg., weather clearing shortly thereafter).
(e) Teams are required to remain at the facility until either the sixty (60) minute maximum delay period has expired (or any mutually agreed extension) or the referees officially abandon the match. If a team departs prior to the expiration of the delay period and play is later deemed safe to resume within that period, that team shall be demanded to have forfeited the match (recorded as a 3-0 loss for the breaching team).
(f) If a match is suspended before the completion of the first half and cannot be resumed within the sixty (60) minute maximum delay period (or any mutually agreed extension), it must be rescheduled in consultation with the League. If abandonment occurs under subsection (e), the opposing team shall be awarded a 3-0 forfeit win.
Rain Outs
In the event of a forced reschedule (i.e. rainout), it is the home team’s responsibility to reschedule the match. A new date must be agreed within 48 hours of the cancellation. Failure to reschedule a canceled match within 48 hours results in a $25.00 fine per game, assessed to the club responsible for the delay. Rainouts do not call for loss of home field advantage.
Cancellation Policy
Teams must give their opponent a 96-hour (4 days) warning if not able to attend a scheduled match, or they will be required to Pau field and referee costs as well as fines.
FCL Handbook PG. 16 Updated August 2026
