News: What Happens When There is Lightning at Your Game

(April 16, 2012) - Ever wonder what the rules are regarding lightning when it comes to your high school event in Loudoun? Here are the official guidelines for schools and officials from the Virginia High School League:


Guidance to schools and officials regarding lightning disturbances

School Responsibility
*Have an evacuation plan.
*Assign a staff member to monitor the weather. Identify this staff member to game officials.
*When thunder is heard or cloud-to-ground lightning is seen, suspend play and direct everyone to take shelter.
*Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning bolt is seen before allowing play to resume. Remember, the 30-minute clock resets every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen. If you have local procedures that differ from the 30-30 flash-to-bang recommendation, make sure officials are aware of that policy.
*If play (or practice) is suspended due to lightning on one field, play (or practice) should be suspended on ALL fields at that school. All teams should remain indoors until resumption of play criteria has been met.

Officials’ Responsibility
*If thunderstorms are in the forecast, find out which school staff member will be responsible for monitoring the weather conditions during your contest. Do this before the game begins.
*If you hear thunder or see cloud-to-ground lightning, suspend play and take shelter.
*If the responsible school staff member or other school administrator informs you that thunder has been heard or cloud-to-ground lightning seen (even if you have not personally heard or seen it), suspend play immediately and take shelter.
*Do not argue with the game manager/school observer. This is not the time to be worried about your “jurisdiction.” You may not refuse to stop play when requested to do so by appropriate school personnel. To do so places ALL risk and responsibility squarely on your shoulders and yours alone. You do not want to be in that position.
*Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning bolt is seen before resuming play. Remember, the 30-minute clock resets every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen. (If there are local procedures that differ from this, follow the instructions of the appropriate school personnel.)

How long should you wait? The school and officials should work cooperatively toward the best possible outcome. For regular season play, officials should wait at least the first 30-minutes. During post-season play, when it is more difficult to make games up, wait at least 60 minutes unless it is clear that the storm will not pass during that timeframe.