DAY 2... NEPS Weather/Lightning Delay Policy (Friday, Jan. 10th)

Due to the volume of games being played tomorrow (Friday, January 10th), along with the possible weather forecast of thunderstorms through the day, all NEPS games will follow the following protocol in the event of lightning delays.  (Games will be played through rain showers).  

All games must finish within their allotted time slot. An allotted time slot means kick-off time until five (5) minutes before the next scheduled kick-off.  The allotted time slots are:

Slot 1: 8:00 – 9:55
Slot 2: 10:00 – 11:55
Slot 3: 12:00 – 1:55
Slot 4: 2:00 – 3:55
Slot 5: 4:00 – 5:55
Slot 6: 6:00 - 7:55
Slot 7: 8:00 - 9:00

If there are lightning delays: 

One single air horn means clear the fields. If you hear the single air horn sound, you must clear the fields for 30 minutes.  When the air horn sounds for three consecutive times, it means all teams should re-take the fields, immediately.

If a lightning delay occurs during a game:

In the event of lightning delays, all games must be finished 5 minutes prior to the next game slot. 
If, due to a lightning delay a game does not resume during the game slot, or is not completed by the end of this time slot, the following procedures will be in place:

If the game is in the second half, the game will be considered complete and over. 

If the game is in the first half, the game is null and will not count in NEPS results.

If a game is suspended due to a lightening delay in the first half and resumes within the allotted time slot:

Play will resume where the game left off. With that understanding, halftime will be reduced to five minutes and as much of the second half should be played within the remaining time slot.    Warm up time will be at the referees discretion (who may consult with the coaches).

If a lightning delay extends into the next time slot, the next game will begin as soon as possible.  Half time will be reduced to five minutes and as much of the second half should be played within the remaining time slot. 

We are hoping this protocol will minimize the number of games affected by possible lightening delays.  If we alter the schedule, and continue to delay games throughout the day, the impact will be much more significant.