Here is the AQI Procedure that is set by the EMSA Board that all teams and referees must follow: https://emsamain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Club-U8-U19-Air-Quality-Procedure.pdf
It is highly recommended that if there is smoke in the area and the AQI is questionable, that you always take a screen shot of the AQI status with the time stamp visible in the photo just in case there are any discrepancies.
To clarify for teams/referees:
WEEKDAYS:
- Exactly at 4:00pm actual clock time (time on your phone or watch), teams/referees/referee assignors will have to check the AQI status for the field they are playing at.
- Whatever time it says the AQI was last “calculated at” is the AQI status you will be using. It more than likely will say “Calculated at 3:00pm”. However, not all stations are updated every hour. For example, some may say “Calculated at 2:00pm” or “Calculated at 10:00am”, you will use that last time it was calculated to determine the AQI. At 4:00pm actual clock time, the site will not be updated to say “Calculated at 4:00pm” so we will not be looking for the AQI that is “calculated at 4:00pm”.
- If the AQI reading for your field is 6 or below, regardless of the projected forecast and regardless if it changes between the time you looked at 4:00pm and your game start time, your team/refs MUST show up at the field. So, if the reading was a 6 or below at 4:00pm actual clock time and then you check back at 4:30pm/5:00pm and the AQI has gone up to a 7 or higher, you still MUST report to your field as the AQI was 6 or below at the time you initially checked (4:00pm clock time). Only the referee can cancel the game at this point on the field at game time.
- When you arrive for your game, the referee will check the AQI status at kick off time and if the AQI is 7 or higher the game will be cancelled at the field.
- If when you check the AQI status at 4:00pm actual clock time and the AQI status for your field is 7 or higher then all games will be cancelled for the night on that field and no teams or refs need to show to the field.
WEEKENDS for games where both teams are from the City and surrounding areas:
- Exactly 1 hour prior to your game start time teams/referees/referee assignors will have to check the AQI status for the field they are playing at.
- Whatever time it says the AQI was last “calculated at” is the AQI status you will be using.
- If the AQI reading for your field is 6 or below, regardless of the projected forecast and regardless if it changes between the time you looked and your game start time, your team/refs MUST show up at the field. Only the referee can cancel the game at this point on the field at game time.
- When you arrive for your game, the referee will check the AQI status at kick off time and if the AQI is 7 or higher the game will be cancelled at the field.
- If when you check the AQI status at 4:00pm actual clock time and the AQI status for your field is 7 or higher then all games will be cancelled for the night on that field and no teams or refs need to show to the field.
WEEKENDS for games where a team is travelling to or from the Red Deer/Lacombe/Penhold area:
- Exactly 3 hours prior to your game start time teams/referees/referee assignors will have to check the AQI status for the field they are playing at.
- Whatever time it says the AQI was last “calculated at” is the AQI status you will be using.
- If the AQI reading for your field is 6 or below, regardless of the projected forecast and regardless if it changes between the time you looked and your game start time, your team/refs MUST show up at the field. Only the referee can cancel the game at this point on the field at game time.
- When you arrive for your game, the referee will check the AQI status at kick off time and if the AQI is 7 or higher the game will be cancelled at the field.
- If when you check the AQI status at 4:00pm actual clock time and the AQI status for your field is 7 or higher then all games will be cancelled for the night on that field and no teams or refs need to show to the field .
*PLEASE NOTE THAT GAMES PLAYED INSIDE THE EDMONTON SOCCER DOME (SCOTTISH) OR THE RED DEER DOME WILL PROCEED REGARDLESS OF THE AQI READINGS AS THESE GAMES ARE TAKING PLACE INDOORS.
Here is the list of individual fields and their AQI stations. Please note that Spruce Grove falls must use the St. Albert station reading as per EMSA’s rules