Appendix IX – Lightning
Law V of the Laws of the Game say the referee “shall have discretionary powers to stop the game and to suspend or terminate the game whenever, by reason of the elements, interference by spectators or other cause, he deems such stoppage necessary.” This is the only guidance provided in the Laws of the Game to referees.
In the training of all referees, the safety of everyone at the field is of primary concern to the referee. There is no specific instruction given about when to stop play during threatening weather.
By way of definition, dangerous weather constitutes an unplayable condition, even if the storm has not yet broken. NCSL club representatives, coaches and referees should be advised that if dangerous weather conditions exist, a match should be suspended and replayed in its entirety at a future date. It should be pointed out that the safety of all is paramount, independent of any cost, inconvenience, or advantage due to the replay of the match.
Lightning Safety Guidelines
1. Remember that prevention and education are the key
2. Obtain a weather report prior to practice or games. When outside, listen to weather radio if you suspect a storm is approaching.
a. Know that the existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
b. When a storm is approaching, monitor the situation carefully.
c. No place outside is safe near a thunderstorm.
d. Open fields and elevated places are the most dangerous when it comes to lightning.
e. The activity with the fastest rising lightning casualty rate is outdoor sports and recreation.
3. Assess and Act On Immediate Risk by Using the 30-30 rule
a. At every practice, game, or outdoor event, a club or team official (coach, asst. coach, TSL, or appointed parent) should act as the lightning monitor(s). The monitor(s) must be responsible for assessing current weather conditions and relaying threat situations to the coach and or officials as appropriate.
b. If you can’t see the lightning but do hear thunder, then lightning is close enough to strike you – seek shelter immediately.
c. If you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter immediately.
d. Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter.
4. Take Shelter in a Safe Location
a. Remember that no place outside is safe near thunderstorms.
b. The best shelter is a large, fully enclosed, substantially constructed building.
c. A vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides is a reasonable second choice. Stay inside the vehicle with windows up – do not lean on the vehicle.
5. Avoid the most Dangerous Locations
a. Higher elevations
b. Wide open areas, including fields
c. Tall isolated objects, such as trees, poles, or light posts
d. Unprotected open buildings such as pavilions, picnic shelters, or bus stops
e. Metal fences and metal bleachers
No lightning safety policy guidelines will provide 100% guaranteed safety; however, following this guideline will help avoid most casualties or injuries.
