In general, the Vancouver Parks Board determines whether a field will be closed for weekend play every Friday at 1pm. The closures are posted on their website, but are NOT updated over the weekend. In the event of heavy rain/frost/snow after Friday at 1pm, either a VYSA field rep or a VAFC rep will check the field in person and will make the decision on field play.
General Guidelines for Vancouver Field Closures
SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS should not be played on if there is snow present on the field. Do not attempt snow removal, as this can damage the turf, and the Parks Board may choose to penalize our Club for your actions.
GRASS FIELDS that are saturated, have standing water, or large muddy areas on the playing surface should not be played on. Likewise, if grass fields are frozen, have snow or heavy frost—do not use until surface conditions have thawed and drained.
Home Field Closure Protocol by League
- If the Parks Board has closed fields, an email from the VAFC Admin will be sent to team officials (coordinators, managers & coaches) informing them of closures and any potential changes to their location of home fields. The team officials should then inform their players and parents.
- If the Parks Board does not close the field, and there has been heavy rain/snow since the Friday deadline, the fields will be checked on the day of play by the Club. Closures will be emailed out to all team officials who should inform their players and parents. Parents should always check their email the day of the game for any last-minute changes to play.
DIVISIONAL LEAGUE
- If the Parks Board has closed fields, an email from the VAFC Admin will be sent to team officials informing them of closures (and any potential changes to their location of home fields). The team officials should then inform their players and parents.
- If the Parks Board does not close the field, and there has been heavy rain/snow since the Friday deadline, the VYSA field rep may make a call on game day depending on the circumstances. If Parks and VYSA have not closed fields, teams must arrive to the field where the referee will determine if the field is playable. This decision will be reported back to VYSA and decisions will be made and communicated regarding any further games on that field. If the scheduler is not available or we do not receive updates, the Club’s Technical Director can make a decision on the field status. Photos should be taken of the field and sent to VYSA.
AWAY GAMES FIELD CLOSURE
- VAFC home teams playing in other areas outside of Vancouver (e.g. Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, North Shore, etc.) should contact their opponents on the Friday to confirm if their district/Parks Board has closed the fields or to confirm if there has been any change of field.
- If fields are not closed and games are going ahead as of Friday, then teams should reach out on the morning of their game to reconfirm no change due to overnight inclement weather. If no change the teams must arrive to the field where referees will make a call on the safety of the field and whether the game should go ahead.
