1. Purpose

These guidelines outline the League’s approach to managing extreme heat conditions, ensuring the safety of players, coaches, referees, and spectators.

2. Monitoring Conditions

The League uses Environment Canada (EC) forecasts to determine expected temperature and humidex levels.

When exact kick-off times are not specified in the EC forecast, the average of the two closest hourly predictions will be used.
Example: If the 6:00 pm forecast is 40°C humidex and the 7:00 pm forecast is 38°C, the estimated value for a 6:30 pm kick-off will be 39°C.

3. Decision Timing

A preliminary review will take place by noon each day.

If heat conditions are forecast to be severe, League staff will evaluate the risk level and consult with relevant parties as needed.

A final decision will be communicated no later than 1:00 pm for weekday games, by 8:00pm the previous evening for Saturday and Sunday morning games, and 10am for weekend afternoon and evening matches

4. Mandated Actions Based on Conditions

Condition	Action
≥28°C or humidex ≥30	Water breaks permitted — Coach or Referee may initiate
>34°C or humidex ≥36	Mandatory water breaks at approximately the quarter marks of game time
>37°C or humidex ≥39	Games will be cancelled

5. Water Break Protocol

• Water breaks should occur at natural stoppages in play, near the ¼ and ¾ points of game time.
• Breaks must be at least 2 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes.
• Unlimited substitutions are permitted during these breaks.

6. Game Cancellation Procedure

• Affected matches will be updated as “cancelled” on the League website.
• A notice will be posted on the homepage.
• Club contacts and team officials will be notified through the League’s communication channels.

7. Education & Prevention: Heat-Related Illness

The EOSL encourages all clubs, coaches, and parents to understand the risks associated with heat and humidity. Health Canada, Environment Canada, and Sport Canada-aligned resources inform these guidelines:

• The key risks in hot weather are dehydration and heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Younger players are particularly vulnerable, especially in high humidity, where the body cannot cool efficiently through sweating.
• Coaches and officials should be trained to:
• Recognize early warning signs such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, excessive fatigue, or hot/dry skin
• Allow for adequate hydration breaks before, during, and after games
• Encourage athletes to speak up if they feel unwell

More information is available from Health Canada at:
 https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat.html

8. Reference Links for Regional Forecasts

• Ottawa – Environment Canada Weather
• Kingston – Environment Canada Weather
• Deep River – Environment Canada Weather
• Petawawa – Environment Canada Weather
• Gatineau – Environment Canada Weather
• Cornwall – Environment Canada Weather