skip navigation
Severe Weather

Severe Weather Policy

A manager [coach] and/or official [soccer referee] has the authority to suspend play. It is mandatory that those groups work together in making a determination.

Suspending Activity

The "Flash to Bang Method" is the criteria for suspending play. Simply count the number of seconds from the time you see lightning to the time you hear thunder and divide that number by 5 to obtain how far away in miles the lightning is. By the time the Flash to Bank count reaches 30 seconds, all individuals should have left the site and reached a safe structure. When thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Take shelter immediately.

Safe Areas

All athletes and spectators should be clearly informed of available safe structure or shelters. A safe structure is any fully enclosed building frequently used by people. In absence of that, go to any vehicle with a hard metal roof, roll up the windows and do not touch the sides of the vehicle. If neither is available, find a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. Assume a crouched position on the ground with only the balls of your feet touching the ground. Wrap your arms around your knees and lower your head. Minimize contact with the ground since lightning often travels through the ground.

Resuming Activity

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before returning to the field or activity.