NYSA Official Policies
Policies &
Resources
Weather policies, field closures, operating procedures, and scholarship info — everything coaches need.
Current Air Quality — Bothell / Woodinville (98011)
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AQI 151+ = All activities cancelledIf the Air Quality Index reaches 151 or above, all NYSA outdoor activities are cancelled with no exceptions.
AQI thresholds
| AQI Level | Status | Guidance for coaches |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 100 | Good / Moderate | Normal activities proceed. |
| 100 – 125 | Slightly unhealthy | Activities may proceed on slightly modified schedule. Avoid strenuous activity, take frequent water breaks. |
| 126 – 150 | Unhealthy range | Highly modified schedule. Limit exertion to no longer than 1 hour. Strongly encouraged to shorten sessions. |
| 151+ | Cancel all activities | All outdoor NYSA activities cancelled. No exceptions. |
Cancellation decision schedule
3:00 PM
Practices starting 4:30–6:30 PM
5:00 PM
Practices starting 6:30–8:00 PM
7:00 AM
Games with kickoffs at 12:30 PM or earlier
11:00 AM
Games with kickoffs 12:45–2:45 PM
1:00 PM
Games with kickoffs after 2:45 PM
Note on hourly updatesAirNow updates may not refresh exactly on the hour. Track conditions at airnow.gov or the AirNow app.
Parents of children with medical conditions sensitive to air pollution must determine independently whether their player should participate. Coaches shall issue no penalty for families who choose not to participate for health reasons.
30-minute ruleWait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning strike before leaving shelter. A lit-up sky counts — you don’t need to see a bolt.
When you see lightning — steps
- Stop play immediately. Move participants to shelter before the threat becomes significant.
- If you hear thunder, you’re in range of lightning. Don’t wait to see a bolt.
- Seek proper shelter. Best: fully enclosed building. Second: solid metal-roofed vehicle. No place outside is safe.
- Avoid: hilltops, open fields, trees, poles, metal fences, bleachers, bus stops, rain shelters.
- If no shelter: crouch low, head down, hands over ears. Stay away from metal.
- Referees may cancel a game for unsafe conditions. Their decision is final.
If someone is struck
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Begin rescue breathing if they’ve stopped breathing. Begin CPR if trained.
- Check for burns. People struck by lightning carry no charge — you can safely help them.
Never withhold water as punishment. Hydration is a health requirement, not a reward. This is non-negotiable.
Practice temperature thresholds
| Temperature | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Under 80°F | Normal activities. |
| 80–85°F | Proceed as usual. Extra attention to at-risk athletes. |
| 85–90°F | Slightly modified. High-intensity limited to 1 hour. Total outdoor time max 4 hours. |
| 90–95°F | Modified. High-intensity limited to 1 hour. Total max 3 hours. U6–U10 may be cancelled. More frequent hydration required. |
| 95–100°F | All U6–U10 cancelled. U11–U19 very brief activities only. High alert for heat illness symptoms. |
| 100°F+ | All activities cancelled. |
Signs of heat illness: Heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness. Remove player from activity, cool down, call 911 if severe.
Closure timing: Field closures posted by 3:00 PM weekdays and 6:30 AM weekends. Once closed, a field stays closed for the rest of the day.
Field closure hotlines
City of Bothell
425-489-3388
Doug Allen & North Creek Fields
Forsgren Park
425-388-6030
Northshore Athletic Fields
425-486-7333
Northshore School District
425-408-6020
All other fields
northshoresoccer.org
If field providers have not closed a field but conditions are not suitable upon arrival, the referee has sole authority to cancel or suspend the game. Their decision is final.
Field problems: contact your Club President, then Office@northshoresoccer.org
Covers rules of play for each age group, the refund policy, disciplinary procedures, and how clubs operate within the association.
NYSA provides scholarship support for recreational registrations for families who qualify. Applications are handled through the NYSA office.
Required before first practice
- SafeSport (Abuse Prevention) — learning.ussoccer.com/safeguarding
- Safe & Healthy Playing Environments (Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Concussions)
- US Soccer Code of Conduct
- Washington Youth Soccer Background Check (RMA) — tinyurl.com/NYSA-RMA-2026
Recommended by age group
| Coaching | Recommended |
|---|---|
| U6 (3v3) | U6 Coaches Certificate — US Soccer |
| U7/U8 (4v4) | U7 & U8 Coaches Certificate — US Soccer |
| U9/U10 (7v7) | U9 & U10 Coaches Certificate — US Soccer |
| U11/U12 (9v9) | U11 & U12 Coaches Certificate — US Soccer |
| U13+ (11v11) | US Soccer 9v9 & 11v11 In-Person Grassroots Modules |