As the summer heat settles upon the Pacific Northwest, we at Highline Premier FC are preparing for the arrival of "Smoke Season." Our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our young soccer players and their families during this period. Read on to discover how we are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe training environment.

Monitoring Air Quality in Real Time

On days when air pollution is a concern, we monitor air conditions hourly. We try to make the "go"/"no go" call as soon as possible, but no later than 3 p.m. Our dedicated HPFC staff keeps a vigilant eye on various weather conditions daily. Hourly monitoring allows us to provide coaches with the most current and accurate information, ensuring our staff can make well-informed decisions regarding training sessions.

Trusted Air Quality Resources

Air quality monitoring can be done at plenty of websites online. The site HPFC uses to make the call is AirNow.gov. Our field footprint is more than 11 miles long, and pollution levels can significantly differ in that area. We use the data to make the safest decision while still trying to play soccer.

Putting Safety First with AQI Matrix

To determine the impact of poor air quality on our training sessions and games, we rely on the Air Quality Index (AQI) matrix. This matrix acts as our guide, helping us assess the level of contaminants in the air and tailor our activities accordingly. We aim to balance maintaining player health and providing meaningful training experiences.

Adapting Activities for Optimal Safety

As air quality deteriorates, we take measured steps to ensure the safety of our players. The AQI matrix helps us assess the situation and decide on appropriate modifications. We understand that player well-being is paramount, and we adjust activities to limit strenuous exertion. Changes involve reducing running components, incorporating additional water breaks, and strategically stopping activities to prevent overexertion.

Prioritizing Players with Pre-existing Conditions

Families with players who have pre-existing health conditions should work with their physicians to craft a plan that works for their players. Additionally, they should communicate that plan with the coaching staff. We recognize that some players may be more vulnerable due to pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma. Parents concerned about pollution conditions and wanting to keep their children home are welcome to do so. Please communicate with our coaching staff and update us on your PlayMetrics availability.

Open Lines of Communication

We utilize PlayMetrics to communicate the most up-to-date information. Should you have concerns or questions about your child's safety during Smoke Season, we're here to help. Our Director of Operations, James Conroy, can be reached at ops_director@highlinepremier.com. Your peace of mind is vital to us, and we're committed to addressing any uncertainties you may have.

At HPFC, safety and player well-being are at the heart of everything we do. We're dedicated to ensuring every training session is a positive and safe experience for all our young athletes. Together, we'll navigate Smoke Season and continue to foster a supportive and health-conscious soccer community.