3. Precipitation Hazards

a) Rain: Rain is a common "hazard" that Spikeball players will face. Unlike frozen ground or snow, professional Spikeball matches will not be cancelled due to rain unless it is extreme. Because we are in Vancouver, I will be talking about heavy rain for the purpose of this ePortfolio.

Image Source: UBC ATSC 113 - Weather for Sailing, Flying, and Snow Sports, 2017-2019 Roland Stull. Obtained at https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/courses/atsc113/flying/met_concepts/01-met_concepts/01a-clouds/index.html, March 12, 2019

Rain falls from nimbostratus clouds. Heavy rain will obscure visibility when playing Spikeball. Prolonged periods of heavy rain can flood fields, resulting in muddy patches. A flooded field will slow down the pace of the game, as players will not be as quick on their feet, as well as pose as a tripping hazard for players, who might get their foot caught in a pothole.

Image Source: Obtained at https://www.fwango.com/tournament-experience.html,Links to an external site. March 12th, 2019

b) Hail: Hailstones are a type of precipitation that fall from cumulonimbus clouds. They vary in size from 5 mm to 15 cm in diameter. Hail poses a risk to Spikeball players because they can hurt. Smaller hailstones could get caught in an individual's eye, and larger hailstones could cause blunt trauma.

c) Snow: Snow is a type of frozen precipitate (ice crystals) that falls in freezing air temperatures. These ice crystals are very small (tenths of an inch) and are very light in comparison to hail so they will not cause direct injury to players during a game of Spikeball. Heavy snowfall can drastically reduce visibility and once on the ground, will be very slippery so players may fall and twist their ankles. Stellar Dendrites (pictured below) are a very recognizable type of snow crystal.

Image Source: Kenneth Libbrecht, obtained from SnowCrystals.com, March 12, 2019

d) Safety Precautions: Light rain is not an issue for most Spikeball players, in fact, it adds another dimension to the game. Here are some measures you can take if you decide to play Spikeball in heavy rain, snow, or hail. Note, playing in snow or hail is not recommended due to the dangers both conditions pose to players.

• Wear warm, protective clothing. This includes a jacket, pants, gloves, and protective eyewear if you actually decide to play in the hail.
• Be sure to clear the field of snow if you decide to play in these conditions. The ground will likely be frozen so wear protective gear if you do not want to get injured.