The Eastern Ontario Soccer League (EOSL) is committed to ensuring safer outdoor activities and events by minimizing the health risks associated with poor air quality for all participants, including athletes, coaches, and officials. Recognizing that poor air quality can negatively affect both the short- and long-term health and performance of individuals engaged in outdoor physical activity, EOSL is dedicated to reducing this potential harm.
This Policy outlines the strategies EOSL will implement to prevent or minimize participant exposure to air pollution, thereby enhancing the safety of all league members. This evidence-based guidance applies to all individuals during all EOSL events and activities.
This Policy will be made easily available to EOSL members on our website at http://www.eosl.ca. We require that all participants in the sport, including athletes, parents, coaches, and officials, review this Policy at the start of every season. Furthermore, all Member Club coaches are strongly encouraged to hold a pre-season meeting with athletes and parents to discuss the risks of poor air quality and its potential health effects.
Similar to cancelling or rescheduling outdoor training or competition due to lightning or other weather concerns, comparable actions must be taken to safeguard outdoor sports participants when the air quality is poor.
To determine your local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), you can visit AirHealth or utilize the WeatherCAN app. The WeatherCAN app also offers the option to receive alerts when the AQHI surpasses a specific pre-set level.
Index values between one and three are considered low risk, four to six are moderate risk, seven to 10 are high risk, and greater than 10 are very high risk
The forecasted and observed AQHI values will be used to prevent or limit participants’ exposure to air pollution. Specifically:
| Mandatory water and rest breaks will be implemented approximately every quarter during a game if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is forecast to be 6 or 7 at the scheduled game time. Â Games will be cancelled if the AQHI is projected to be 8 or higher at game time. |
The decision will be made by 3:00 pm each day, and then communicated to affected teams through the league site.
Because air quality can vary across the playing region, the League Administrator will be responsible for making the decision for each specific playing area.
Game cancellations will be communicated to Team and Club Officials and Referees. The league website will also note these cancellations.
The EOSL established this Policy on April 23, 2024. It is subject to an annual review to ensure its ongoing alignment with current best-practice recommendations from health experts.
