WEATHER POLICIES
Weather Wisdom at Sol SC
Playing outdoors connects us to nature and gives our players and families the fresh air they love—but Florida weather can be unpredictable. From sunshine to sudden storms, our top priority is always player and family safety.
Weather Policies Overview:
- Lightning and Thunder:
In line with USYSA Lightning Policy, play stops immediately at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Activity will not resume until 30 minutes after the last instance. The clock resets if lightning or thunder occurs again during that period. - ThorGuard Lightning Detection System:
Our facilities use the ThorGuard System, which predicts lightning strikes within 8–20 minutes, with coverage up to 2 miles. - Warning: One long 15-second horn blast and a flashing yellow strobe indicate the need to clear the fields and seek shelter.
- All Clear: Three short 5-second blasts signal it’s safe to return.
You can track the delay related to a lightning storm by clicking the link below. Add these apps to your phone for easy reference:
The National Training Center: System ID: 271
ThorAlert
West Orange Soccer Complex
EarthNetworks Sferic Siren Status
Communication & Updates
- Field closure decisions are typically made by 4:00 p.m. by the Club Directors (DOC).
- On-field decisions are made by Directors of Coaching.
- If cleared from the field, all players and families must go directly to a building or vehicle, not under pavilions or trees.
Safe Shelter Guidelines
The safest places during storms are fully enclosed buildings or metal-topped vehicles (not convertibles or bikes). Avoid open structures or trees at all times.
Inclement Weather Policy
Only a member of the Sol SC Leadership Team may proactively cancel a session due to an imminent storm.
- For heavy rain, sessions may be paused to wait out conditions. If 50% of the scheduled time has passed and weather persists, the session will be cancelled.
- In the event the fields become waterlogged, the DOC and/or Orange County Parks and Recreation may decide to cancel all sessions for that evening.
- For lightning, everyone must immediately return to their vehicles until the ThorGuard all-clear is given. If 50% of the session time passes and lightning continues, the session will be cancelled.
