Sports associations, coaches, parents, players, staff, park and trail users, etc. should check the weather forecasts and reports before any practice, game or event.

Be aware of thunderstorms developing nearby.

A 30 second or less flash-to-bang count calls for the removal of all persons from the field, park or trail, to appropriate shelter.

Appropriate shelter areas include (but are not limited to), fully enclosed buildings, fully enclosed metal vehicles with hard metal roof and windows up. Low ground areas, such as ditches, are to be used as a last resort (crouched position, do not lie flat). Dugouts and pavilions are not adequate shelter.

Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the LAST flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard prior to resuming play.

Stay away from poles, tall trees, open fields, pools of
water, metal bleachers or benches, fences, etc. Avoid using the telephone (except cellular if you are in a safe structure or location and all other precautions are followed) and plumbing facilities. Turn off electrical appliances.

If you feel your hair stand on end, or hear “crackling noises” you are in an electric field. You should remove metal objects (including baseball cap), place your feet together, duck your head and crouch down with arms around your knees.

If anyone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. People who are struck by lightning do not carry an electric charge and are safe to handle. The victim should be moved to a safe location, CPR and AED should be initiated as soon as possible.

If anyone feels that they are unsafe or are in danger at any time they have the right to leave.

Sports associations are required to follow this policy.

Good motto: Lightning, if you can see it, flee it. Thunder, if you can hear it, clear it.