Michael V. Earle, editor, pages 12-14. The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports acknowledges the significant input of Brian L. Bennett, ATC, College of William and Mary and Ronald L. Holle and Raul Lopez of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in the development of this guideline. Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect intercollegiate 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 intercollegiate athletics event or practice. Designate a chain of command as to who monitors threatening weather and who makes the decision to remove a team or individuals from an athletics 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.