Lightning safety policies: what NFHS, NCAA, NATA, NWS and state associations require

Who decides

A specific staff member monitors local weather, suspends outdoor activity and decides when to resume. “Any individual following these guidelines shall not be challenged.”

When to stop

When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, suspend play for at least 30 minutes and move everyone to the designated safer place immediately.

When to resume

At least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning. Any thunder or lightning during the count resets the clock.

Detection

If a nationally connected lightning detection network is available, monitor it: play “shall be suspended” when lightning is within a 10-mile radius, and not resumed until 30 minutes pass with none inside it. Sight and sound always take precedence over an app or device.

Safer place

A substantial building with plumbing and wiring where people live or work, such as a school, gymnasium or library; otherwise a fully enclosed metal car or school bus (not a convertible or soft top).

NFHS names your state association and nearest National Weather Service office as the best sources for a facility’s policy. Several states below still print the guideline’s earlier wording, where a detection device “could be used”.

Who decides

A chain of command with “unchallengeable authority to suspend activity”, and a designated weather watcher who is not a coach, umpire or referee.

When to stop

A lightning threat extends about six to 10 miles from the base of a thunderstorm. Criteria to stop and evacuate can include seeing lightning, hearing thunder or threatening skies.

When to resume

30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is seen; the clock restarts with each flash or thunder. A venue using a professional meteorologist with real-time data may use other criteria for an earlier, safe resumption.

Detection

Subscribing to a commercial lightning detection service “that has been independently and objectively verified may be a helpful component.”

Safer place

Fully enclosed buildings with both plumbing and wiring, or a hard-topped metal car or bus with windows and doors closed. Dugouts, rain or picnic shelters, sheds and press boxes may not be safe.

Who decides

A specific person or role with “recognized and unchallengeable authority to suspend activity”, plus a separate designated weather watcher.

When to stop

All individuals must be inside a safe location by the time the storm edge is 5 nautical miles (roughly 6 statute miles) away. If thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to be a hazard.

When to resume

30 minutes after the last lightning seen (or at least 5 nmi away) and the last thunder heard; the clock restarts for each flash within 5 nmi and each thunder.

Detection

Consider a commercial, real-time lightning-detection service that has been independently and objectively verified. Phone and email alerts should only supplement the procedures.

Safer place

Substantial, fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing; fully enclosed metal vehicles such as buses, cars and vans. Not dugouts, tents, picnic or rain shelters, or press boxes.

Who decides

Organisers should have a lightning safety plan and follow it without exception. The lightning monitor should not be the coach, umpire or referee.

When to stop

“There is no place outside that is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area.” A significant lightning threat extends about 6 to 10 miles from the base of the cloud; hearing thunder means the storm is likely within ten miles.

When to resume

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

Safer place

Substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing give the most protection; a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed gives good protection. Dugouts, rain shelters and sheds are not safe.

The NWS lightning safety page carries the slogan: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”