In the event of lightning, the guidelines below will be followed during Sudbury Youth Soccer Association sanctioned events:

Suspension and Resumption of Activity

Outdoor activity must be suspended when lightning is a maximum of six miles away.  The "30/30 Rule" should be followed when evaluating lightning danger: if lightning is 30 seconds away, it is too close, and do not resume play for 30 minutes from the last seen flash or last heard thunder.

Suspension

For suspension, follow the 30 second "flash-to-bang" rule. The "flash-to-bang" method is the easiest and most convenient means for determining distance to the lightning flash, which is integral to assessing the need to postpone or suspend an activity:

Ø  To use the flash to bang method, the observer begins counting when a lightning flash is sighted.

Ø  Counting stops when the associated bang is heard.

Ø  Divide this by 5 to determine the distance to the lightning flash (in miles). Example a count of 30 seconds equates to 6 miles.

Lightning should be monitored with the first flash of lightning or clap of thunder, no matter how far away the storm is.  It is critical to monitor how far away the lightning is occurring and how fast the storm is approaching, relative to the distance of a safe shelter.

In the event that play is suspended, all individuals, including athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators, should immediately go indoors or to their cars to wait for the storm to pass.  If unable to reach safe shelter, stay away from the tallest trees or objects (such as light poles or flag poles), metal objects (such as fences or bleachers), individual trees, standing pools of water, and open fields.

Resumption

For resumption follow the 30 minute rule: Play should not be resumed until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash of lightning or clap of thunder.

Chain of Command

The team coaches are responsible for ensuring that their players are safe during the storm. If lightning occurs during a practice or a clinic, the team coaches and/or the technical staff coaches are responsible for monitoring weather conditions.  The coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players are safe during the storm.