Lightning Safety
The University Interscholastic League adopts the National Federation of State High School Associations Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) lightning safety guidelines as the minimum required standard for all outdoor practices and contests. Member schools should implement these guidelines and may utilize lightning detection technology in accordance with the standards below.
Monitoring Weather Conditions
A designated person should be assigned to monitor weather conditions before and during practices and contests. This individual has the authority to initiate suspension and evacuation procedures.
Use of Weather Tracking App
We recommend schools utilizing lightning detection technology (e.g., weather applications, on-site detection systems) follow NFHS guidelines with the addition of a standardized distance-based trigger:
- Activities should be suspended when lightning is detected within 10 miles of the venue
- Activities may not resume until:
- Lightning is no longer detected within 10 miles*, AND
- At least 30 minutes* have elapsed since the last strike within the 10-mile radius*
*Both the NFHS and NATA have recommended a standard radius of 10 miles/30 minutes for lightning detection during activities. NFHS recommendations can be found here and the NATA recommendations can be found here.
Flash-to-Bang Method
The flash-to-bang method (counting the seconds between lightning and thunder and dividing by five to estimate distance in miles) may be used to monitor lightning.
Activities should be suspended when the flash-to-bang count is 30 seconds or less (approximately 6 miles).
This method is recommended only when lightning based technology is not available for use.
Evacuation and Safer Shelter
A plan should be in place to evacuate participants and spectators to a designated safe shelter, defined as:
- A substantial building with plumbing and/or electrical wiring, or
- A fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof
Open or partially enclosed structures (including dugouts, bleachers, and tents) are not considered safe shelters.
Return to Play
Activities may not resume until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning or thunder.
The 30-minute return-to-play clock should reset with each subsequent lightning strike or thunder occurrence.
Chain of Command
A clearly defined chain of command should be established for decision-making, including identification of the individual with final authority to suspend and resume activity.
Education and Communication
Lightning safety procedures should be reviewed annually with coaches, administrators, game officials, student-athletes, and parents. All parties should be informed of:
- Evacuation procedures
- Shelter locations
- Decision-making authority
- Implementation Guidance
Schools not using lightning detection technology should follow NFHS lightning safety guidelines based on visual and auditory cues.
Schools using lightning detection technology are strongly encouraged to adopt the 10-mile suspension radius to promote consistency and safety across member schools.
Definitions
Safer Shelter:
- A safer location is any substantial, frequently inhabited building. The building should have four solid walls (not a dug out), electrical and telephone wiring, as well as plumbing, all of which aid in grounding a structure.
- The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. It is important to not touch any part of the metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms.
- It is not safe to shower, bathe, or talk on landline phones while inside of a safer shelter during thunderstorms (cell phones are ok).