Games and practices may be delayed, shortened, postponed, or canceled because of unsafe weather, poor field conditions, field closures, or any situation that creates unnecessary risk. This policy applies to all Vikingball League games, practices, preseason events, playoffs, and league-sanctioned activities.
1. Who Makes the Final Decision
The final weather decision will be made by league management, field/park staff if applicable, and/or the head official on site.
The league may cancel or postpone an event before arrival, but weather conditions can also change during play. If conditions become unsafe, the league has the right to stop activity immediately.
2. Lightning and Thunder Policy
If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, all play stops immediately.
Players, staff, and spectators must leave the field and move to a safe shelter, such as a vehicle or permanent building. Tents, dugouts, trees, pavilions, and open fields are not considered safe lightning shelters.
Play may only resume after 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder or lightning. If thunder or lightning happens again during the waiting period, the 30-minute clock restarts.
3. Rain Policy
Vikingball may still be played in light rain if the field remains safe.
Games or practices may be delayed, postponed, or canceled if rain creates any of the following conditions:
- Standing water on the field
- Unsafe footing or slipping risk
- Muddy conditions that increase injury risk
- Poor visibility
- Damage risk to the field
- Unsafe travel conditions for players, staff, or officials
Heavy rain alone does not automatically cancel an event, but unsafe field conditions do.
4. Field Condition Policy
The league will not play if the field is unsafe.
Examples of unsafe field conditions include:
- Large puddles or standing water
- Excessive mud
- Slippery grass or turf
- Damaged playing surface
- Exposed holes, rocks, roots, or field hazards
- Any condition that increases the risk of falling, slipping, or injury
If park staff or field management closes the field, the league must follow that decision.
5. Severe Weather and Other Hazards
The league may cancel, delay, shorten, or postpone events due to:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- High winds
- Hail
- Flooding
- Poor air quality
- Excessive cold
- Unsafe road conditions
- Any other weather-related safety concern
If a weather warning is active for the field location, the league may delay or cancel the event even if conditions appear playable at that moment.
6. Game Delay, Shortening, and Rescheduling
The league may choose one of the following options depending on the situation:
- Delay the start time
- Pause the game or practice
- Shorten practice
- Shorten game time
- Reschedule the event
- Cancel the event completely
For games, if a game cannot be completed, the league will determine whether the game is rescheduled, continued later, or considered official based on the situation and league schedule.
A regular season game may be considered official once halftime has been reached. If the game is stopped before halftime, it may be rescheduled, restarted, or continued at the league's discretion.
7. Makeup Games and Practices
The league will make a reasonable effort to reschedule canceled or postponed games.
If needed, makeup games may be played during scheduled practice times. Games will take priority over practices when makeup time is limited.
Canceled practices may be rescheduled when possible depending on field availability, weather, and the overall league schedule. Practice reschedules are not guaranteed, but the league will make an effort to provide makeup opportunities when realistic.
8. Communication Policy
Weather updates, cancellations, delays, makeup games, and rescheduled practices will be communicated through the league's official communication channels and team chats.
Players are responsible for checking their team chats for updates about cancellations, delays, game changes, and rescheduling.
Because weather can change quickly, final decisions may sometimes be made close to the start time or at the field.
The league may communicate one of the following:
- Event is still on
- Event is delayed
- Event is canceled
- Event is postponed
- Event is moved to a makeup date
- Game will be made up during practice time
- Practice is rescheduled, if possible
9. Refund Policy for Weather Cancellations
Weather cancellations are part of outdoor sports. Player fees are not automatically refunded because of weather delays, shortened events, postponed events, canceled practices, or canceled games.
The league will make a reasonable effort to complete the season and reschedule games when possible. Refunds or credits, if any, will be handled at the league's discretion.
10. Player Responsibility
Players are responsible for coming prepared for outdoor conditions, including water, proper footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and protective gear.
Players should never participate if they feel unsafe, sick, dizzy, injured, or unable to continue. Any player showing signs of illness, injury, or unsafe condition may be removed from play for safety.