Severe Weather Cancellation Policy

Circle City Curling Club Severe Weather Cancellation Policy

The safety of our members, staff, and visitors is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, including but not limited to snowstorms, ice storms, tornadoes, and other hazardous conditions, the following policy will guide the decision-making process:

1. Decision makers: Decisions on club closures should be made by committee including the board president, ice crew representative(s), club manager, and league commissioner.
   • With conditions and information likely to change in a short timeframe and individuals possibly being unavailable due to work constraints, a discussion amongst available parties is recommended.
   • If the ice crew members decide that conditions are too unfavorable, curling must be cancelled.
2. Advance Notice: When severe storms are forecasted and expected to impact travel or safety or safety, the club will assess weather reports and make a cancellation decision no later than 3 hours before the start of the affected event or league draw.
3. Notification: Members will be notified of cancellations via email.
4. Criteria for Cancellation:
   • Winter weather
     • The Indiana DHS travel advisory map (https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/), INDOT road conditions (https://511in.org/) and available weather forecast information should be used as a source of information.
     • If Madison, Marion, or Hamilton counties are under a Warning or Watch, curling should be cancelled.
     • If Madison, Marion, or Hamilton counties are under an Advisory, curling may be cancelled if conditions are expected to deteriorate (increased snow (2”+) and ice accumulation during the times of curling activities). In any case, members should be notified to exercise caution, to use their best judgment, and prioritize safety.
   • Severe (thunderstorm/tornadic) weather
     • The National Weather Service Storm Prediction center (https://www.spc.noaa.gov/) will be used as a source of information. An example prediction map is shown below. 
     • 
     • If severe weather is forecasted to impact the club during the times of activity at the club (-1.5 hrs before draw start time -- +3 hrs after draw start time), the club will determine cancellation based on the following:
       • If the club is in a forecast region of level 4 (Moderate) or level 5 (High), the recommendation is to cancel curling activities.
       • If the club is in a forecast region of level 3 (Enhanced) and a tornado watch is in effect, the club should consider cancelling curling activities.
       • If the club is in a forecast region of 2 (Slight) or lower, the club will likely not cancel curling, but club members should be diligent in watching weather conditions.
       • 
5. Rescheduling and Refunds:
   • When possible, cancelled events or draws will be rescheduled.
   • If rescheduling is not feasible, refunds or credits may be issued on a case-by-case basis for special events or rentals. Regular league play is typically not refunded due to fixed league fees.
6. Member Responsibility:
   • Members are encouraged to use their best judgment and prioritize safety. If travel is unsafe in your area, please stay home, even if the club remains open.
   • Members who cannot attend due to local weather conditions should notify their team as early as possible.
7. Additional Resources:
   • Weather Prediction Center - Specializes in excessive rainfall and flooding as well as winter weather outlooks. This includes products like probable snowfall, ice accumulation, freezing rain probability, etc.
   • Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussions - Mesoscale discussions (MDs) will usually prelude watches issued by the Storm Prediction Center and act as more of an area of interest.