Poor air quality can impact the health and performance of outdoor sport participants. The OASC recognizes the potential short and long-term health effects of engaging in physical activity outdoors when the air quality is poor and is committed to reducing the risk and contribute to safer outdoor activities and events.

The OASC will provide its members with evidence-informed protocols and this policy applies to all individuals and for all OASC games, events and activities.

Monitoring Air Quality

Just as outdoor games may be cancelled or rescheduled due to lightning or other adverse weather conditions, it is essential to take similar actions to protect outdoor sport participants when the air quality is poor.

You can find your local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) by visiting AirHealth.ca or by downloading the WeatherCAN app. The WeatherCAN app can also be used to receive notifications when the AQHI exceeds a pre-set level.

Managing Participants Health with Respect to Air Quality

Index values between 1-3 are considered low risk, 4-6.5 are moderate risk, 6.6-10 are high risk and greater than 10 are very high risk. The current and forecasted and AQHI values will be used to prevent or limit participants’ exposure to air pollution.

The following precautions will be observed:

• If the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is projected to be 5-6 at game time, then water and rest breaks will be mandated at around every quarter of the game.
• If the AQHI is projected to be 7 or higher at game time, then games will be cancelled and rescheduled whenever possible.

The decision will be made by OASC Operations at 3:00 pm each game day to allow sufficient time for communication to participants. Cancellations will be noted on the OASC website and game cancellations will be sent to affected team and referees.

This Policy was created by the OASC on April 1, 2025 and will be reviewed annually to ensure that it continues to align with the best practice recommendations of health experts.