Game Plan for Bad Weather: Tips for Coaches and Athletic Directors

Game plan for inclement weather

Managing athletic events during inclement weather

Spring sports season is here, and with it comes unpredictable weather. We know how frustrating it can be when rain, storms, or heat threaten to throw your schedules into chaos. That’s why having a plan in place to handle bad weather is key to keeping things safe and running smoothly. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of the game.

1. Monitor weather conditions closely

Keep a close eye on the forecast through weather apps and local news.  Most of the apps are free and offer push notifications during weather warnings and watches. Many local TV stations also offer apps to stream severe weather coverage.

2. Establish a weather policy

Make sure you have a solid policy in place for managing athletic events during inclement weather that covers:

  • When to cancel or postpone: For example, lightning within 10 miles, heavy rain, or extreme heat.
  • Evacuation procedures: Clear plans for moving athletes and fans to safe areas.
  • Rescheduling guidelines: A framework for getting games back on track.
  • Make sure your staff is familiar with the plan and ready to act quickly when needed.
  • 3. Prioritize safety

    When in doubt, play it safe. Lightning and severe storms can be dangerous, so don’t take chances. Follow the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s advice: wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities. Also, with warmer weather, keep an eye on hydration and cooling options to prevent heat-related illnesses

    4. Communicate clearly and often

    Effective communication is the key to minimizing stress. Even if you don’t have all the answers yet, keep people informed with updates on what you already know and when they can expect more information.

    5. Use technology for easy and instant communication

    Keeping everyone informed about schedule changes can be daunting. That’s where Snap! Mobile One comes in. Here are three ways you can get everything you need to keep everyone up to date—all in one app:

  • For your team: Two-way messaging 
  • Use the two-way chat messaging feature to quickly connect with your staff and athletes. This tool makes it easy to answer questions and communicate decisions in real-time.

  • For your school and fans: Community engagement app
  • With Snap! Mobile One your school gets a custom app that includes real-time push notifications and instant schedule updates, ensuring your community knows about cancellations, delays, or location changes. For fans not using the app, Snap! Mobile One delivers an integrated website that automatically syncs with updates you make in other tools.

    FanX screenshots on phone

  • For parents and event staff: Streamlined notifications
  • No more last-minute phone trees or confusing email chains. With Snap! Mobile One, you can reschedule events and send notifications to parents and event staff—all from one place.

    FanX push notification on phone screen

    Spring weather might be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. With these tips and the right tools, you can stay one step ahead, keeping your athletes safe, your schedules intact, and your community informed. Click to learn more about how Snap! Mobile One can transform how you manage, grow, and run your program, all in on app.