PLAYING IN THE HEAT
Baseball Oshawa does its best to eliminate unnecessary travel due to poor weather, but it is not a perfect science. Weather is often unpredictable. It is critical that players, coaches and umpires go to scheduled games unless otherwise notified.
On game days, here is how decision-making unfolds:
With the heart of the summer comes warm weather. All players should come to the game with cold water and having had sunscreen applied.
Regardless of how warm it is, coaches and parents should all watch for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion in players: dizziness, headache, weakness or exhaustion, tremors, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or unusual heartbeat.
If someone has a throbbing headache, vomiting, and a rapid, strong pulse, this may be a sign of heat stroke, and you should call 911 right away and help cool the person until help arrives.
Please refer to the following zones for playing outside in the heat (temperatures should factor in humidity considerations, aka the humidex):
White Zone (18ºC - 26ºC)
Aside from regular hydration and sunscreen application, no special measures need to be taken.
Yellow Zone (27ºC - 36ºC)
Coaches are encouraged to take extra steps to protect players, such as making sure they stay hydrated and encouraging frequent substitutions during games and practices.
Orange Zone (37ºC - 40ºC)
All measures in the Yellow Zone apply. Catchers are a particular focus, and consecutive innings of catching should generally be limited to 2 (House League). Exceptions may be made on a player-by-player basis, at Coaches' discretion, provided that the player is closely monitored and staying well hydrated. The length of House League games will be modified according to the schedule below:
- 5U (Rally Cap) and 6U/7U (Minor Tyke/Tyke): games will be reduced by 15 minutes
- 9U (Rookie) and 11U (Mosquito): games will be reduced by 20 minutes
If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, give frequent breaks, and ensure players stay well-hydrated.
Red Zone (41ºC - 46ºC)
Tee Ball and Tyke games will be cancelled at these temperatures. Coaches and parents/guardians will be notified.
All measures in Yellow and Orange Zones apply to other Divisions. Coaches will make a decision to proceed based on input from parents/guardians and will contact their Convenor immediately to let them know of their decision.
Black Zone (47ºC+)
All House League practices and games will be cancelled, and coaches and parents/guardians will be notified.
Note
The humidex will rise and fall depending on the time of day, the amount of wind, cloud cover, etc. The above program modifications could also change throughout the day. For example, a 6:15 game may be in the Orange Zone, but an evening game (this year) might only be in the Yellow Zone. Coaches should check the weather ahead of the practice/game and follow the appropriate program modifications.
The above are merely guidelines, and it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to make the ultimate decisions as to their child's participation in Baseball Oshawa events when heat may be a factor, taking into consideration their child's age and physical condition. Parents are also responsible for informing their child about playing in the heat and the need to approach it responsibly with sunscreen, proper hydration, and adequate breaks.
Please note that if you have a text message package on your cell phone plan, you can receive text messages free of charge. Your cell phone information will not be shared with any outside company, there will be no spam, and your privacy is assured. All cell numbers will be deleted at the end of the season.
