Lightning Safety at Outdoor Practices and Games
Spring and summer storms roll through eastern Pennsylvania regularly, often with little warning. For youth sports programs, lightning is one of the most serious weather risks. Open fields, metal bleachers and tall light poles all increase danger. Every coach and parent should know the rules.
When thunder roars, go indoors
The National Weather Service's lightning safety message is simple: when thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Lightning can strike miles away from the storm itself, sometimes when the sky above looks clear.
Clear the field immediately
As soon as thunder is heard or lightning is seen, all activity should stop and everyone should move to a safe location. Do not wait to finish a play, an inning or a drill. Coaches, officials and players should all leave the field.
Where to go
Safe shelter includes:
- A fully enclosed building with plumbing and electrical wiring.
- A hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
Unsafe places include:
- Open fields.
- Dugouts.
- Picnic shelters, tents and pavilions.
- Under trees.
- Near metal bleachers, fences or light poles.
Many people assume a dugout or open shelter is safe. It is not. These structures do not protect against lightning.
Wait 30 minutes
After the last sound of thunder, wait at least thirty minutes before returning to the field. If thunder is heard again during that time, the thirty-minute countdown starts over. This rule protects against lightning from storms that seem to be passing but are still close.
Have a plan before storms arrive
Every program should have a written lightning plan that includes:
- Who is responsible for monitoring weather and deciding when to stop play.
- Where players and spectators should go for shelter.
- How long to wait before resuming.
- How to communicate with parents.
Coaches should check weather forecasts before every practice and game and be ready to act quickly. Weather apps and lightning detection services can help, but hearing thunder is always reason enough to stop.
Communicate with families
Parents should know the program's lightning policy. When storms threaten, let families know whether practice is cancelled, delayed or moved. If practice is interrupted, make sure children are supervised in a safe location until parents arrive.
If someone is struck
Lightning strike victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch. Call 911 immediately. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if available. Many people survive lightning strikes with quick medical care.
Safety first, every time
Waiting out a storm can be frustrating, especially when a game is close or a practice is going well. But no game is worth risking a life. Following lightning safety rules consistently teaches young athletes that safety always comes first, and it protects everyone on and around the field.