--- title: Managing Weather Delays: A Guide for Tournament Directors last_updated: 2026-06-29 description: Ensure clear, timely weather updates for your outdoor tournament with our Weather Alert feature—keep players informed and reduce confusion effectively. url: https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors --- # Managing Weather Delays: A Guide for Tournament Directors When weather threatens your tournament, your communication becomes as important as your schedule. Players who receive clear, timely updates stay calm and trust your leadership — players left in the dark get frustrated and overwhelmed. This guide covers how to use PT's Weather Alert feature and how to communicate effectively throughout a delay. ## Table of Contents 1. [How to post a weather alert](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors#how_to_post_a_weather_alert) 2. [Communication best practices](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors#communication_best_practices) 3. [Using text messaging during a delay](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors#using_text_messaging_during_a_delay) 4. [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors#frequently_asked_questions) 5. [Related Resources](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000647546-managing-weather-delays-a-guide-for-tournament-directors#related_resources) *** ## How to post a weather alert 1. From your tournament, open the **3-line menu** and select **Edit Tourney**. 2. Go to the **Basic Info** section and scroll to the bottom. 3. Toggle **Show Weather Alert** to on. 4. Type your update message into the text box. 5. Save. Your message immediately appears as a pop-up notification on your public tournament listing. ![Weather Alert is found near the bottom of the Basic Info section](https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903/4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919/cbab60e2076f0831e0041df96bee5623.png?v=1049845554)![The alert appears as a pop-up on your public tournament page](https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903/4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919/1f354dae19b4168ab24375766c0a4c57.png?v=1051553196) > **Note:** Update your weather alert message as conditions change — players always see the most current version when they visit your tournament page. *** ## Communication best practices ### Communicate early and often Over-communication is always better than silence. Even if nothing has changed, a brief update confirming you're monitoring the situation reassures players. Recommended cadence: - **Night before (uncertain forecast):** Acknowledge the forecast and give a specific time for your next update. Example: "Update (Tues 7:00 PM): We're monitoring tomorrow's forecast. Tournament is on schedule. Next update at 6:30 AM." - **First sign of delay:** Post immediately when play is suspended. Example: "Update (Tues 8:15 AM CDT): Play suspended due to lightning. All players seek shelter. Next update at 8:45 AM CDT." - **During a prolonged delay:** Update every 30–45 minutes even if nothing has changed. Example: "Update (Tues 9:15 AM CDT): Courts remain wet. Rain has lightened. Still hopeful to resume. Next update at 10:00 AM CDT." - **Cancellation:** Make it clear and final. Include what happens next for scheduling, refunds, or credits. ### The S.I.N. method — what every update needs - **S — Status:** What is the current state of play? (e.g., "Play is suspended," "Delayed start," "All matches canceled") - **I — Instruction:** What should players do right now? (e.g., "Seek shelter," "Stay near the tournament desk") - **N — Next update:** When will you post again? Always give a specific time — this is the most important part. ### Four rules to follow - **Be the single source of truth.** Direct all players to your tournament webpage for official updates. This prevents rumors and gives players a consistent place to check. - **Set a realistic tone.** Be optimistic but don't make promises you can't keep. Cautious and accurate beats confident and wrong. - **Don't go dark.** Silence for hours is the worst thing you can do during a delay. Regular updates show players you're organized and in control. - **Give a final decision clearly.** When you cancel events, make the announcement definitive and explain what happens next. *** ## Using text messaging during a delay If you have PT's texting service enabled, it's especially powerful during weather delays: - From the **Attendees** tab, use the menu button next to a player's name to send a text to an individual player - From **Live Console**, use the **Options** tab on a verified event to text all players in that event at once — ideal for venue changes or calling players back to courts - Court Desk automatically texts players when assigned to a court or when their match is ready - Players receive a confirmation text any time a match score is entered > **Note:** Text messaging is available for US tournaments and select other countries for an additional per-player fee. See Tournament Pricing and Fees in PT for details. *** ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I update the weather alert after I've posted it? Yes. Go to Edit Tourney → Basic Info, update the Weather Alert text field, and save. Players will see the updated message immediately. ### How do I remove the alert once conditions improve? Toggle Show Weather Alert off and save. The pop-up will stop appearing on your tournament listing. ### What's the fastest way to reach all players during a delay? Use the Live Console Options tab to text all players in an event instantly. This bypasses the campaign email queue and sends immediately. *** ## Related Resources - [How to Send a Text or Email to a Specific Tournament Player](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/article/how-to-send-a-text-or-email-to-a-specific-tournament-player) - [How to Enable Player Scoring and Auto-Run Your Tournament](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000646262-how-to-enable-player-scoring-and-auto-run-your-tournament) - [Tournament Pricing and Fees in PT](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000615191-tournament-pricing) *** Questions about weather delays or tournament communication? Email [support@pickleball.com](mailto:support@pickleball.com).