City of Toronto Rain Policy

Appendix B: Sport Field Playability & Responsibility Guidelines

Sport Fields

When determining field playability, the safety of participants is paramount, however substantial consideration must also be given to the potential damage to the turf and the length of time required for the field to recover. When determining field playability, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Large areas of standing water on any part of the playing field are just cause for game cancellation.

• During the course of inspection, any visible water or sound ("squish") created while walking is an indication that the field is unfit for play or practice.

• Footprints and the collection of water around them is an indication that the field should be closed.

• If grass divots can easily be dislodged from the turf during play, the field should be closed.

• Frost or frozen areas are not playable until surface conditions have thawed and drained.

• Where synthetic turf fields are concerned, the above indicators also apply.

Weather Hazards-Environment Canada

When using outdoor facilities, permit holders should be aware of the potential hazards of inclement weather, particularly thunder and lightning. Permit holders are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all permit participants during potentially dangerous weather, including the postponement or cancellation of games or events if appropriate given the weather conditions. For more information on inclement weather and safety, see:

Be prepared for summer weather

User Discretion User discretion means that all sport associations and groups have a greater responsibility in determining whether to play or not to play on a sports field, based on the criteria identified above for field playability and weather safety. It is in the best interest of all players to ensure that fields are not used when conditions are unfavourable in order to prevent damage to the playing surface.