Wet Weather Policy

Sutherland Shire Council Ground Closures

From Monday to Friday, Sutherland Shire Council grounds are under the control of Council. Council operates a recorded Wet Weather Line providing information on ground closures.

Sutherland Shire Council Wet Weather Line: 02 9710 0105

If Council closes the grounds, no training is permitted. Sylvania FC will post any Council ground closure information on our website and social media as soon as possible.

Please Do Not Train on Closed Grounds

Council officers may issue fines of up to $2,000 to clubs or teams using grounds that have been officially closed. Sylvania FC will not cover any fines incurred by a team that trains on a closed ground — any such costs will be the responsibility of the offending team.

Sylvania FC Ground Closures

There may also be occasions when Sylvania FC makes the decision to close a ground due to the condition of the playing surface or other local circumstances, even if Council has not officially closed the ground.

If Sylvania FC closes a ground:

• Training will not be permitted.
• The affected ground and clubhouse may be closed.
• Notices may be placed at the clubhouse.
• The closure will be communicated through the Sylvania FC website and social media as soon as possible.

Please check our website before leaving home for training if there has been significant rainfall.

Alternative Training Options

If your regular training ground is unavailable, teams are encouraged to consider alternative activities that do not impact closed grounds. Some options may include:

• Indoor sporting facilities
• Fitness and conditioning sessions
• Running and fitness activities
• Sprint training
• Team meetings or tactical sessions

Coaches and managers should ensure any alternative activities are conducted safely and in appropriate locations.

Who Makes the Decision?

On weekends, playing fields come under the control of the Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA). Following significant rainfall on Friday, Friday night or during the weekend, ground inspections are undertaken early Saturday morning. Ground inspectors assess the condition of the fields and provide their recommendations to the SSFA.

The SSFA makes the final decision regarding whether games will proceed, be relocated or be cancelled, depending on ground conditions and availability. The SSFA generally communicates its decision to clubs and wet weather officers as early as possible, usually before 7:15am. Sylvania FC will then share the relevant information with our members through our website and social media channels as soon as we receive confirmation.

Wet Weather Updates

Wet weather decisions can sometimes be made early in the morning, so please keep an eye on the SSFA website and Sylvania FC website and social media channels for the latest information. Sylvania FC will share confirmed updates as soon as they are received.

For early morning fixtures, such as an 8:00am kick-off, information may not always be available until shortly before the scheduled game time. If you have not received an update, please continue to check the official communication channels before leaving for your game.

Games May Be Relocated

Where possible, the SSFA may relocate games to alternative grounds that remain open. If your team’s game is affected by a venue or time change, your team will be notified as soon as possible.

If grounds are closed and the day’s fixtures are cancelled, the SSFA and Sylvania FC will communicate this information as soon as practicable.