Football Alberta Air Quality Policy
Due to possible deterioration in air quality as result of wild fires or other pollutants, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is being used as a guideline for decision making by Football Alberta as there is no legislated limit that prohibits outdoor activities, as per outlined in the Football Alberta Policy and Procedure Manual.
Decisions to cancel or limit outdoor activities are made by Football Alberta and their members on a case by case basis with the parent being the ultimate decision maker as to whether they feel their child should participate in outdoor activities. This is based on their assessment of their child's risk factors and sensitivity to air pollution. As a general rule, any participant with respiratory or heart conditions should reduce or avoid outdoor activities when the AQHI reaches 7 or more.
When the AQHI is between 7-9 (High Risk) Football Alberta members are advised to keep their participants indoors whenever possible. Cancelling of Football Alberta events directly operated by the Association via the office staff will be considered on a case by case basis depending on factors such as the nature and duration of activity, age and health status of the participants and availability of indoor shelter to reduce exposure time. Participants and parents are kept informed on decisions made to limit or cancel outdoor activities and the reasons why.
An AQHI of 10 or greater (Very High Risk) will result in the cancellation of all outdoor activities associated with Football Alberta events. Football Alberta members running events not directly operated by the Association should give serious consideration to cancelling planned outdoor activities especially if they involve strenuous activities e.g. games or practices. Participants and parents should be kept informed on decisions made to cancel outdoor activities and the reasons why. Parents will always have the final say as to whether their child participates or not.