Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect interscholastic athletics. While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed. Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety.
Education begins with background information on lightning.
The references associated with this guideline are an appropriate resource. Prevention should begin long before any interscholastic athletic event or practice. Designate a chain of command as to who monitors threatening weather and who makes the decision to remove teams or individuals from an athletic site or event. An emergency plan should include planned instructions for participants as well as spectators. Obtain a weather report each day before a practice or event.