(August 20, 2018)

Memo: Air Quality Guidelines for Tier 1 and Tier 1 to Nationals Provincial Competition

With the continuing forest fire situation in British Columbia, the Air Quality Health index in Edmonton has frequently reached levels that can cause potential health impacts.  As in previous seasons and at competitions already held in 2018, the Alberta Soccer “Air Aware – Air Quality Monitoring Guidelines” are being utilized and adhered to.

ALL decisions regarding the Air Quality, relating to participant health and safety will be made jointly by the Alberta Soccer Competitions Representative and the Referee in Chief.  The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) will be the starting reference point in the decision process.

Air Quality readings can be found here. For the purposes of Tier 1 Provincials, the air quality readings from St. Albert and Edmonton will be evaluated in conjunction with the conditions on site at the Bill Gilhespy Soccer Complex. If the Air Quality is determined to be unsuitable for play at any time, the following will apply:

  • If the game has not yet kicked-off, or if less than 70% of the game has been played – the game will be postponed until such a time as the Air Quality has improved. Unless notified otherwise by the Alberta Soccer Competitions Representative, teams will be expected to remain on site and prepared to begin or resume  play. A minimum of a 10-minute warm-up will be given for any game resuming play; a minimum of a 30- minute preparation time (including warm-up) will be given for a game that has not yet kicked off.
  • Depending on the length of the delay, games may be of a shortened length. Teams may also be required to play multiple games in a single day.
  • Every effort will be made to play games to a result, however this cannot be guaranteed. There remains the possibility that the result of games may need to be determined by Kicks From the Penalty Mark.
  • If more than 70% of the game has been played – as per Alberta Soccer Competition Rules, the game will be abandoned and the score at that time will stand as the result.

Decisions will be made to ensure that all scheduled games can be completed by allowable methods so that the competition results are as complete and fair as possible. All such decisions will be final and NOT subject to appeal or protest.

For reference:

  • 70% of a 80 minute game is 56 minutes.
  • 70% of a 90 minute game is 63 minutes.