Inclement Weather Guidelines

Guidelines regarding inclement weather, such as lightning storms and extreme heat, should be established well in advance of the athletic season, and adhered to by all athletic participants and spectators.

General Policy

Chain of Command
The coach will monitor weather and make the decision to suspend activity in the event of severe weather.

National Weather Service:      (901) 544-0399

Coach → Administrators → *Officials→ Event Director/Stadium Manager → MIAA →National Weather Service

*Once the game has started the Officials have the authority to suspend activity in the event of severe weather

LIGHTENING SAFETY
General Policy
Flash to Bang  Method*
Evacuation to Safe Shelter^
Resumption of Activity
Prior to practice or competition, the weather forecast should be monitored through local weather agencies for up to date information.

Anytime lightning is determined to be within 6 miles of the practice/competition site, activity must be suspended for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.

If lightning strikes within the 30 minute time frame, restart the count each time.
 

The flash-to-bang method is an approximation of the distance of the lightning.

1. Watch for flash of lightning

2. Begin to count (one one-thousand, two one-thousand…)

3. Stop counting when you hear the bang of thunder

4. If time between the “flash” and hearing the “bang” of thunder is between 15-30 seconds (3-6 miles) teams should take precaution and suspend activity.
8-20 miles is considered an imminent threat

A safe shelter (enclosed grounded building) for each stadium should be designated. If no safe structure is within reasonable distance seek a flat area. Do not choose an area where you will be the highest point. When there, crouch down wrapping your arms around your knees and lower your head to minimize contact with the ground and wait for the storm to pass.

Secondary safe shelters include enclosed vehicles with metal roofs and completely closed windows i.e. cars, buses etc…

A representative of the athletic department will announce via the PA system for fans and athletes to seek safe shelter.
 

 Resume activity at least thirty minutes AFTER the last lightning strike within a 6 mile (30 seconds) range using the flash-to-bang method. If lightning strikes within the 30 minute time frame, restart the count each time.



Activity will resume once the athletic trainer, coach/officials and/or event director have conferred and the above criteria have been met.

 

National Athletic Trainer's Association  Lightening Safety Guidelines
*NATA recommends everyone to evacuate to safe shelter by the time the count approaches 30 seconds (6 miles). Just because you do not see lightning does not mean you are not at risk if you are outdoors. Other warning signs of impending bad weather include: sudden decrease in temperature, sudden change in humidity, increase in air movement, and visible dark storm clouds (these are not always present during a lightning strike). NO METHOD OF LIGHTNING DETECTION CAN DETECT EVERY STRIKE.
^All individuals have the right to leave the athletic site to seek safe shelter if the person feels in danger of impending lightening activity without penalty.

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY

Treatment for all heat conditions involves immediately moving the person to a cool place, removing all equipment and unnecessary clothing. Administer cool fluids. Elevate the feet above the heart to maintain blood pressure and circulation to the brain. Adequate methods for rehydration should be available in all sports at all times with athlete education on proper hydration provided on a regular basis.
 

 

 

Extreme Heat: A Guide to Safe Athletic Participation