Issued By Aurora Baycare Sports Medicine
A. Chain of Command
The chain of command for lightning safety is as follows:
Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer / Athletic Director / Tournament Official / Officials / Coaches / Team and Spectators
B. Weather Watchers
ABSM personnel (Licensed Athletic Trainers and Team Physician) must check weather reports each before any event. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues severe weather and/or thunderstorm watches and/or warnings. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in a particular area. A “warning” means the NWS has reported severe weather in the area and for anyone in the area to take necessary precautions.
During all practices and competitions a member of the Sports Medicine staff will act as a weather watcher. This person will notify athletic director or tournament official of lightning activity and the need to seek safe shelter. ABSM staff and Athletic staff should be aware of the signs of thunderstorms developing nearby.
C. Evacuation Criteria – 30/30 Rule
1. Flash to Bang Time
To use the Flash to Bang Time, count the seconds from the time lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard. Divide this number by five (5) to obtain how far away (in miles) the lightning is occurring. (Ex. 30 sec. Count / 5 = 6 mile distance). A Flash to Bang Time of thirty (30) seconds or less dictates immediate suspension of play and evacuation of all athletes and spectators to a safe area. Once it has been decided to stop play, it is strongly recommended that all persons involved wait at least thirty (30) minutes after all lightning and thunder has ceased before resuming play.
All coaches, officials, and administrators need to abide by this to ensure the safety of all athletes, coaches, games management, spectators, and all others present. The decision will be fully supported by ABSM Department.
2. Safe Structures / Shelter
a. Safe areas include:
- enclosed buildings
- fully enclosed metal vehicles with a hard metal roof and windows up
- low ground areas as a last resort (ditches, bottom of hill) – assume a crouched position – minimize your body area – do not lie flat.
b. Unsafe areas
- open fields
- golf carts or gators
- metal bleachers (on or under)
- fences
- umbrellas, flag poles, light poles
- tall trees
- pools of standing water
Avoid using a telephone (except cellular), showers, use of electrical machines. In an event, the announcer should immediately be notified to announce to all spectators to leave and seek safe shelter.
D. Emergency Action Plan
In the event that an athlete, coach, administrator, official, or spectator is struck by lightning, the following protocol will be executed.
Perform following steps/guidelines in order:
This policy is set in accordance with NATA Guidelines and Recommendations as set forth by Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine.
