• In the event of inclement weather, Hempfield School District will follow the following procedures to ensure the safety of our student-athletes.
     
    Winter Weather
    Decisions regarding competition and practice during severe winter weather will primarily be handled by the Superintendent.  These decisions may take several different forms:
    • All after school activities are canceled.  If this is the case, all practices and competitions are canceled and athletes should go home after dismissal by the safest means possible.  Competitions will be rescheduled following PIAA and Lancaster-Lebanon League guidelines; new competition dates will be posted on twitter @hsdsportsscores.
    • School is closed.  In many cases, when school is closed for inclement weather, all practices and competitions are canceled for that day.  Competitions will be rescheduled following PIAA and Lancaster-Lebanon League guidelines; new competition dates will be posted on ttwitter @hsdsportsscores.  However, in some cases, if the weather clears and the district maintenance and custodial staffs are able to provide for safe conditions on campus, practices may be permitted.  This will be communicated to the Athletic Director who will in turn notify head coaches of available practice times and locations.
    • Hempfield schools are open, a competitor's school is closed.  Individual schools set their own travel policies in inclement weather.  Competitions may be postponed.  If this is the case, competitions will be rescheduled following PIAA and Lancaster-Lebanon League guidelines; new competition dates will be posted on twitter @hsdsportsscores.
    Thunder and Lightning
    The HSD Athletic Department will be following the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) policies regarding thunder and lightning for outdoor events.  

    For in-season competitions, the athletic trainer will be assessing the weather and will inform the officials if the game is to be postponed. For in-season practices, the athletic training staff is equipped with an air horn.  If during practice an air horn is blown repeatedly, that is the signal for coaches to find shelter for the student-athletes. During an out-of-season workout, it is the coach's responsibility to assess the weather and find shelter when needed.

    1. 'If it roars go indoors.’  If there is thunder there is lightning.
    2. Teams should be aware of their designated area for shelter.
    3. There is a 30 minute delay from last thunder or lightning strike.  Teams must wait 30 minutes from the last thunder or lightning strike before returning to the field.
    4. During competition, officials will be notified by the Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer, and/or game manager prior to the game of the procedures and designated areas for shelter.

    Remember, the safety of the student-athlete is always the top priority.