Policies

Lightning

• If the time between seeing a lightning flash and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds (indicating the storm is within ~10 km), stop all outdoor activity immediately and seek shelter. 

• After the last thunder or lightning flash, wait a minimum of 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. 

• Prior to match/training days: check the weather for thunderstorm risk via the BOM website; monitor during sessions. 

Heat

• FQ’s guidelines state that if matches/training are scheduled between 11:00am–4:00pm and the ambient temperature is 32 °C with ~75% humidity, the event should be postponed/rescheduled. 

• Note: even at lower temperatures, a session may require modification or postponement because of additional factors (humidity, radiant heat, poor ventilation).

Field Conditions – Water on Surface / Playability

• According to FQ’s Rules of Competition, a match official may abandon or postpone a fixture if “playing conditions compromise participant safety” (which includes unsafe surfaces, excessive water‐logging, or other hazards).

• Even if no specific temperature/water rule is cited, clubs are responsible to ensure the surface is safe to play/train on — if there’s standing water or the surface is badly water-logged, modification or cancellation may be required.

• Decision-making: The Referee or Training Lead must assess field conditions and standard metrics (e.g., surface drainage, level of standing water, player safety) before proceeding.