Each season, along with the first snow(s) of winter, the question is asked by both Tournament Hosts and CHRVA teams, “What is the inclement weather policy of the CHRVA?  For example, in the event of snow, when is a tournament cancelled?”  In truth, the Region does not have an “Inclement Weather Policy” and for good reason.

It has been the Region’s position to leave the decision on whether or not to cancel a tournament to the Tournament Host.  In other words, it is the Tournament Host’s call.  The Host is in the best position to determine the weather and road conditions in his/her area of the Region.  It is not unusual for heavy snow to be the condition in the DC/Northern Virginia (NOVA) area but not in northern Annapolis where the snow may be nothing more than a light dusting.  Therefore, a tournament in the DC area may be cancelled while one in Frederick may be a “Go.”  This “Go—No Go” decisionmaking process may create hardships for some teams.  For example, teams scheduled to play in Frederick coming from the DC/NOVA area may have difficulty making the trip while the teams from the Baltimore, Wilmington, and Columbia areas have an easy drive.  And, teams traveling from the north and northeast are now wondering why the DC tournament was cancelled since they had little precipitation in their area.  Because each inclement weather situation will be different, each decision on whether or not to cancel a tournament should be and must be different.  The Tournament Host is in the best position to make that decision.

Once the Tournament Host determines that local conditions are such that a tournament is a “Go,” it falls upon each team scheduled to compete in the event to determine if the weather and road conditions in his/her area will allow a safe and reasonably sure trip to the tournament site.  It is now the team’s call as to whether or not they will play.

The Region depends on the good judgment of the Tournament Host in the event of inclement weather.  Through the years, this trust we have had in our Tournament Hosts has not been misplaced.  They weigh the pros and cons of conducting a tournament when weather conditions are less than favorable, and their decisions have always been in the best interest of the Region and the teams affected.