For the more avid "Spikerballers" out there who can't wait a couple of months during the winter without Spikeball, cold weather does not stop them from playing outdoors.

Image Source: Obtained https://spikeball.com/pages/espnLinks to an external site. March 12, 2019

That being said, Spikeball in cold weather requires the player to be much more precautious than Spikeball in hot weather.

*** I will not be discussing snow in this section as it will be focused on in the section, "Precipitation Hazards."

a) Frozen Ground: Frozen ground occurs when the water in between the components of the soil has turned into ice due to the freezing temperatures outside. This will occur at soil temperatures below 0C. A major danger with the frozen ground is that the water in the soil will expand when frozen, taking up more space. This phenomenon is called frost heave and will push up the soil and roots with it. If you and your friends were playing Spikeball on frozen ground, there is a risk of tripping over "swollen" roots or soil mounds.

Frost heave below the pavement. Image Source: Obtained from the National Resources Conservation Service, March 12, 2019

Furthermore, frozen ground is packed harder than normal soil. This puts a lot more stress on your ankles and knees. Spikeball also requires its' participants to dive.

Image Source: Obtained from https://bestofsno.com/30422/features/day-in-the-life-spikeball-fanatic/Links to an external site.

b) Frosty conditions: Radiation frost will form on fields overnight as the air is cooled. For frost to form, the surface temperature must be lower than 0C. This type of frost is coined "radiation frost," as it forms as blades of grass lose energy (radiation) overnight, cooling the blade of grass so that frost can form.

Image Source: Obtained from https://www.alamy.com/close-up-of-thick-frost-often-known-as-radiation-frost-or-hoarfrost-on-leaves-on-the-top-of-a-hedge-this-type-of-frost-forms-when-the-object-becomes-image234682932.htmlLinks to an external site. March 12, 2019

If you play Spikeball on frosty fields, you risk slipping and hurting yourself.

c) Safety Precautions: The safest option would be to wait indoors until it warms up outside. Other options include finding an indoor turf field to play your Spikeball games. If you desperately want to play out in cold weather, you can do the following:

• Wear proper clothing and/or protective gear such as gloves, pants, even knee, and elbow pads if you are concerned about bruising yourself on the field.