AYSO Region 612 - Lightning & Severe Weather Safety

Lightning & Severe Weather Safety

Protecting our players from weather-related dangers during games and practices

Lightning Alarm at Regional Park

Regional Park is equipped with a state-of-the-art lightning detection and alarm system. When lightning is detected within 10 miles, a 15-second horn blast will sound, followed by a strobe light activation. All activities must cease immediately.

Critical Notice

Lightning is one of the top ten causes of sudden death in sports. All coaches, officials, athletic trainers, and administrators share responsibility for making decisions to suspend or cancel play due to weather conditions.

Recognize the Danger

Immediate Action

No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area
Suspend all activity at the first sign of thunder or lightning
Communicate this information immediately to all participants
Seek shelter in designated safe locations

Weather Monitoring

Consult National Weather Service or Storm Prediction Center
Set up mobile alerts for severe weather warnings
Monitor local media outlets for watches and warnings
Use weather apps with lightning detection features

Safe Locations

Primary: Fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing
Secondary: Fully enclosed vehicle with solid metal roof
Not Safe: Open fields, open-sided shelters, tents
If no adequate shelter, stop play well in advance

30-Minute Rule

Outdoor activity may resume 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning
The 30-minute clock restarts with each new flash or sound
Continue monitoring conditions during the waiting period
Do not return to the field until cleared by officials

Lightning Safe Position

If caught outside with no shelter and experiencing warning signs:

Crouch as low as you can

Weight on balls of feet

Keep feet together

Cover ears, lower head

Do NOT lie flat on the ground

Warning Signs of Lightning Strike

Feeling hair stand on end
Skin tingling sensation
Hearing crackling noises
Static electricity in the air
Metallic taste in mouth

Recover from Lightning Strike

Lightning Strike Emergency Response

Call 911 immediately

Ensure area is safe

Move victim carefully

Initiate CPR/AED

Call for Help

Immediately call 911
Alert emergency medical responders
Prepare hospital for heat-related emergency
Notify field officials and AYSO administrators

Safety First

Ensure the area is safe before approaching
Assist those in most severe condition first
Lightning strike victims are safe to touch
Move victim to a safe location if possible

Medical Response

Initiate CPR if victim is not breathing
Use AED if available
Check for additional injuries
Keep victim warm and calm

Aftercare

Under no circumstances return to play
Require thorough medical examination
Only return with physician's release
Monitor for delayed symptoms

Reference

This guide is based on U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program:

Recognize to Recover - Lightning & Severe Weather

AYSO Region 612 Weather Policy

Coaches must complete weather safety training annually
Each field has designated severe weather shelters
Regional Park lightning alarm must be obeyed immediately
No resumption of play without official clearance
Weather emergency drills conducted each season

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