 If there is a presence of Lightning and Thunder -
The game should be DELAYED to allow the passage of the danger .
NO GAMES should be played if this condition exists.
"If you can see it (lightning), flee it (take
shelter)."
"If you can hear it (thunder), clear it (suspend activities)." |
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Rule of thumb... If there is a presence of Lighning and Thunder
- The game should be DELAYED to allow the passage of the danger
.
NO GAMES should be played if this condition exists.
The presence of lightning within 6 miles is the standard to
postpone a game - 6 miles is determined by a flash to bang of 30
seconds - Divide the seconds by 5 to come up with the distance
of the lightning.
Coaches should be warned to have their players and spectators
take protective cover - Protective cover is NOT under the trees
at Oppenlander.
I repeat, the games should be DELAYED a MINIMUM of 30 minutes -
or until the danger has passed. If the conditiion still exists,
then the game can be CALLED OFF after the 30 minute delay.
Lightning Policy
"If you can see it
(lightning), flee it (take shelter)."
"If you can hear it (thunder), clear it (suspend
activities)."
When you first see lightning or hear thunder,
suspend activities and go to shelter. A metal
vehicle or a substantial building is a safe place.
Wait until 30 minutes after the last observed
lightning or thunder before resuming activities.
-- National Lightning Safety Institute, June 1998 |
Lightning Policy
In the event of lightning, guidelines by the NCAA and NSSL
(National Severe Storms Laboratory) will be followed during
games, practices, outdoor conditioning sessions, and any USCS
athletic department sanctioned event.
The NCAA and NSSL strongly recommend terminating activity when
the lightning is 6 miles away. There is a 70% chance that the
next cloud-to- ground strike will occur in a circular area with
a 6-mile radius from the previous strike.
Flash To Bang Method
In the event of possible severe weather, someone (athletic
trainer, coach, non-participating athlete, etc.) needs to begin
counting without distraction once lightning is spotted. To
calculate the approximate distance in miles from a lightning
flash, the weather monitor should count in seconds from when you
see the flash to hearing the thunder, and divide this number by
five. If the final number is 6 or less (equaling 6 miles), then
evacuations should begin. In the case of games, the sports
information representative should make a calm announcement to
the fans recommending they seek safe shelter indoors due to
incoming storms. When considering return to play, everyone
should wait until 30 minutes after the last episode of lightning
or thunder.
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Things to Remember
. There can not be thunder without lightning (thunder is the
noise resulting from the lightning discharge)
. Lightning can strike up to 6 miles away from the base of the
thunderstorm
. Retreat to a building or car (not a convertible)
. If unable to get into a safe place, find a grove of trees
(never a single
tree) similar in height and crouch low on the balls of your feet
with your head tucked down
. Get at least 50 feet away from metal objects
. Get away from tall objects
. Avoid small sheds that are isolated in the open area
. Don't huddle together, spread out at least 100 feet
. If your hair stands on end, hear high-pitched or cracking
noises, you see blue halo around objects, there is electrical
activity present that could precede a lightning strike in the
area
First Aid
Athletic trainers and coaches are the first responders in this
emergency situation if they are not injured themselves. If
someone is hit, ensure they are not charged before contact with
them. Begin the emergency plan (CPR if necessary, call EMS) and
retreat to safety if possible. If the victim is charged, stay
back and call EMS immediately. |
