Perhaps you’ve been a parent, coach or player at an outdoor sporting event in a similar predicament — the clouds roll in and the sky gets dark, but you have finish-game-itis. After all, it will only take a few more minutes. Or, not wanting to appear overly cautious or paranoid, you wait for others to give the signal.
This is one situation when finishing the game, match or inning is not worth the risk. Each year, thunderstorms produce an estimated 20 to 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes in the U.S., each of which is a potential killer, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Some flashes strike directly under the storm. Other times, the flashes reach away from the storm in places where the perceived threat is low or nonexistent and catch people off guard.
About 20 people are killed by lightning each year and hundreds more are injured, some suffering devastating and permanent neurological injuries. About two-thirds of those deaths are associated with outdoor recreational activities.
The NWS recommends that outdoor recreation organizers have an established lightning safety plan and follow it every time inclement weather conditions are present.
As part of the plan, coaches or organizers should establish a designated person who will listen to the latest accurate weather forecasts prior to a sporting event. It should also be clear who will make the decision to postpone or cancel if necessary, and the decision must be respected.
The lightning safety guidelines should also address the following questions, according to the NWS:
- Once in play, when should the sporting event be stopped? The short answer: when you see lightning, hear thunder or the skies look threatening.
- Where should participants, officials and spectators go for safety? No place outside is safe. Substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing are ideal. Small outdoor buildings, including dugouts, rain shelters, sheds and pavilions are NOT safe places to seek shelter.
- When should activities be resumed? A minimum of 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Electrical charges can linger in clouds after a storm has seemingly passed.
- Who should monitor the weather and make decisions about play? A level-headed, objective person should be the designated weather monitor. This should NOT be the coach, umpire or referee. They should know the weather safety guidelines and be empowered by teams, parents, coaches and spectators to make decisions.
- What should be done if someone is struck by lightning? Call 911 for immediate medical attention. Victims do not carry an electrical charge. CPR or an AED may be needed if the individual’s breathing or heart has stopped.
The NWS webpage on lightning safety and outdoor sports activities answers these questions in more detail. Don’t make decisions on when to call the game or match based on personal experience or pressure from others.
For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org. 
