LIGHTNING POLICY 

Lightning is a leading cause of weather-related fatalities. All County athletic activities must
be suspended and evacuated when lightning is detected within a dangerous radius. Activities may only resume
once conditions are deemed safe.

Standards for Lightning Detection and Suspension
1. Lightning Detection Tools
o Each facility or organization must utilize one or more of the following:
 A dedicated lightning detection system (e.g., Thor Guard, WeatherBug, Perry Weather)
 Real-􀆟me weather app with lightning tracking (e.g., WeatherBug, MyLightningTracker)
 Certified on-site weather monitor (e.g., ATC or athletic trainer)

2. Lightning Radius Suspension Rule
o Immediate suspension of all ac􀆟vi􀆟es when lightning is detected within 10 miles of the facility.
o Use the “Flash-to-Bang” method if technology is unavailable:
 Count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder.
 Divide by 5 to es􀆟mate the distance in miles. 10 miles or less will result in evacuation
procedures.
 If the result is 30 seconds or less, stop all ac􀆟vi􀆟es immediately.

3. Evacuation Procedure
o All participants and spectators must evacuate to a fully enclosed building or vehicle.
o Dugouts, metal shelters, and open pavilions are not safe.
o No one may remain on the field or in open areas.
 

4. Resumption of Activities
 Activities may only resume 30 minutes after the last:
o Observed lightning strike within 10 miles, and
o Thunderclap.
 Each new lightning strike or thunderclap resets the 30-minute clock.
Roles and Responsibilities
 

Coaches and Officials: Responsible for monitoring weather conditions and enforcing this policy during
team activities.
League Presidents/Organizers: Must ensure all volunteers and staff are trained on this policy and
equipped with proper detection tools.
County Staff: May suspend field use or close facilities if policy is not followed or unsafe conditions persist.
Violations
Failure to follow this policy may result in:
 Immediate suspension of field use privileges.
 Official viola􀆟on notice to the organization.
 Escalated enforcement action for repeat offenses.
 

Training and Education
All coaches and league administrators must be trained annually on lightning safety protocol, including evacuation
procedures and use of detection tools.