Rain
If it begins to rain:
- Evaluate the strength of the rain; is it a light drizzle or is it pouring?
- Determine the direction the storm is moving.
- Evaluate the playing field as it becomes more and more saturated.
- Stop practice if the playing conditions become unsafe. use commons sense. If playing a game, consult with the other Manager and Umpire to formulate a decision.
Lightning
Each year in the United States, more than four hundred people are struck by lightning. On average, about 70 people are killed and many others suffer permanent neurological disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. When thunderstorms threaten, coaches and sports officials must not let the desire to start or complete an athletic activity hinder their judgement when the safety of participants and spectators is in jeopardy. All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of storms because people wait too long before seeking shelter, or after storms because people return outside too soon. If you hear thunder, you are in danger.
Any time thunder is heard, the thunderstorm is close enough to pose an immediate lightning threat to your location. A thunderstorm can cast lightning up to 10 miles from the edge of a storm, and/or about as far as the sound thunder can carry.
It is important for coaches, officials, parents and volunteers to understand the basic facts about lightning and its dangers. Coaches, officials, parents and volunteers have a responsibility to promote and help enforce this policy. Play it safe every time, our kids’ lives may depend on you!
Safety Guidance
- Be proactive and assess the risk level in advance of your scheduled game, activity or event for developing or approaching storms.
- Use the free WeatherBug Mobile App. WeatherBug’s Spark Alert function gives you real-time readings from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network.
Lightning Policy
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With the first sound of thunder or visible lightning or lightning is determined to be within 10 miles – clear the field;
play shall be suspended immediately.
- Players, coaches, parents and other volunteers shall be cleared from the field, dugout and all external field areas.
- Go to a large enclosed building if one is nearby; go to metal-top cars, with windows rolled up, if no enclosed building is available;
- Once a game/activity has been suspended, all people shall remain completely clear of all field areas and remain so until an “all clear” is issued by the Umpire;
- The “all clear” can only be issued when both of the following apply:
- All lightning/thunder activity has moved beyond the 10-mile radius from the field and so long as no additional lightning is expected to move into the area.
- At least 30 minutes has elapsed from the last visible lightning strike or the presence of thunder.
- At the discretion of the Umpire and/or Managers the game can be cancelled as a rain-out;
In the event of game cancellation, make sure all players are accounted for and leave with approved persons