Kicker:
From the National Federation of State High School Associations
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a default policy to those responsible for making decisions concerning the suspension and restarting of contests based on the presence of lightning . The preferred sources from which to request such a policy for your facility would include your state high school association and the nearest office of the National Weather Service.
Proactive Planning
- Assign staff to monitor local weather conditions before and during events
- Develop criteria for suspension and resumption of play:
- When thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning.
- Suspend play and take shelter immediately.
- Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
- Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30 minute count, reset the clock and another 30 minute count should begin.
- Hold periodic reviews for appropriate personnel.
Source: National Federation of State High School Associations
Teaser title:
NFHS Guidelines For Suspending and Resuming Play When Lightning in Area
Teaser text:
Guidelines from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for making decisions concerning the
suspension and restarting of athletic contests based on the presence of lightning.
Links:
[1] https://momsteam.com/node/814
[2] https://momsteam.com/node/2470
[3] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/general-safety/weather-safety/lightning-facts-and-statistics-2013
[4] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/lightning-safety-rules
[5] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/lightning-first-aid