What happens after a Rained Out Day?

Last Sunday, CASL games were rained out on all of the natural surface fields in the CASL system. When determining whether to call off a day of play many factors are considered. We try not to rely on the forecast of rain, since, as we all know, that is an inexact science. Primarily, the well being of the players is taken into account. Field conditions play a part in this as a bad surface can be dangerous. Secondly, we take into account if the game can be played within some sort of normal parameters. Puddles throughout the field would cause for ball stoppages and would make the game very little like soccer. Thirdly, we take into account the field surface itself. Getting in one weekend of games at the expense of ruining the fields for a long period time is not a good trade-off. The fields in the spring are less able to absorb a generous rain event due to the main grass (bermuda) being dormant at that time of year. In the fall, the bermuda grass is still in its growing season and soaks up the rain at a much greater rate than does the overseeded rye during the spring. Hence, it is more likely that a spring game day might be called off than a fall game day (remnants of hurricanes not included here-as they tend to come in the fall season). Therefore, all of these factors are considered when deciding to call off a day of soccer or part of a day of soccer.
Once a game has begun, it is the referee's decision as to whether a game can continue or not due to worsening weather or field conditions. In the case of lightning, either the referees or a representative of CASL at that complex will make that decision. CASL nor anyone should not challenge a lightning event as the danger is GREAT! CASL uses a 30/30 rule which will be discussed on a later blog.
Once a day or part of a day of games is called off then CASL begins the process of rescheduling the games. CASL wants everyone to play their full complement of games during their season and therefore attempts to reschedule all games. Seasonally, we usually build in a rain make-up weekend where we can shift games to that day. In fact, the recreation games that were missed on Sunday 3/6/11 have been moved to Sunday 5/15/11. The missed Challenge games are being rescheduled after consulting the various challenge age group coordinators. This is being done, as I type. After the rescheduling process is complete, the games are then recorded on our scheduling system and then are posted on the CASL website, http://www.caslnc.com/.
This whole process is not simple but one that we have had to do many times throughout the years. We hope that everyone can play all of their games and that all can be available for their make-up games, as well! Hopefully, it looks like good weather this weekend.......but we all know about planning too far in advance. "Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game!"
                                                                            Charlie Slagle