Hey team! Just a quick reminder about our policies for inclement weather, refunds, and sideline behavior.

POLICIES

Please review the following policies that apply to all Merrill Soccer Association–sanctioned events.

REFUND POLICY

Registration fees are not refundable and non-transferable after the first game of the season, except as described below. No refunds, partial or full, will be made to players who choose not to participate at any point after the first game of the season. Refund requests submitted prior to the first game of the season will be issued minus a $10 processing fee. Refund requests must be made in writing to merrillsoccer@gmail.com.

SIDELINE BEHAVIOR POLICY

In an effort to ensure a positive and healthy experience for soccer players, referees, parents, and spectators, the Merrill Soccer Association follows the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association’s recommendations for constructive sideline behavior.

View Recommendations & Guidelines

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

General Weather Policy
Soccer is an all-weather sport. Games will proceed in the rain unless field conditions become unplayable due to excessive water or other safety concerns.

Game Cancellation Notification
In the event of a cancellation, Merrill Soccer Association (MSA) will:

• Post updates on the MSA Facebook and Instagram pages
  
  
• Send an email notification to all registered families

All cancellation notifications will be communicated by 4:00 PM on game days.
If no cancellation notice is posted by 4:00 PM, games are on as scheduled.

Please do not contact MSA social media pages or board members to ask if games are being played. Our board consists of volunteers with full-time jobs and businesses and cannot respond to individual weather inquiries.

Parental Discretion
We respect each family’s judgment. If you do not feel comfortable having your child participate due to weather conditions, you are welcome to keep them home.

Game Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

• If a game is cancelled, it will be rescheduled at the discretion of the Merrill Soccer Association.
  
  
• All rescheduling information will be communicated to coaches, who will notify their teams accordingly.
  
  
• If a game is cancelled due to weather and the first half has been completed, it will be considered an official game.
  
  
• If a game is cancelled before halftime, it may be rescheduled at MSA’s discretion.
  
  

Lightning and Extreme Weather Policy

If lightning is seen or a lightning strike is detected within 10 miles, an MSA board member will sound an air horn and all play will stop immediately.

All players, coaches, officials, and spectators must:

• Return to their vehicles for safety
  
  
• Do not return to the field until your coach notifies you via your team communication app that it is safe or that the game has been officially canceled
  
  
• Play may resume 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning strike, if no additional activity occurs
  
  

Extreme Weather Shelter Protocol
In the event of extreme or unsafe weather where remaining in vehicles is not appropriate, you will be directed to the Smith Center for shelter.
Please follow instructions from MSA representatives to access the locker rooms and bathrooms inside the Smith Center until conditions are safe to return.

Hot Weather & Heat Index Guide

• The below table will be utilized by MSA in the event of High Temperatures and Humidity. It can be viewed here too: MSA Heat Index Guide 2025
• Assigned MSA Board Member will make the decision to cancel or delay the game by 4 PM. 
• Updates will be posted on the MSA Facebook and Instagram pages. 
• Email notification will be sent to all registered families.