SEVERE WEATHER
(OHSAA Sports Regulation 20)
Recognition
Coaches, certified athletic trainers, athletes and administrators should be educated regarding the signs indicating thunderstorm development. Since the average distance between successive lightning flashes is approximately 2-to-3 miles, any time that lightning can be seen or thunder heard, the risk is already present.
Weather can be monitored using the following methods:
Monitor Weather Patterns - Be aware of potential thunderstorms by monitoring local weather forecasts the day before and morning of the competition and by scanning the sky for signs of potential thunderstorm activity.
Flash to Bang - This method is used to assess how far away lightning is striking. It is determined by counting the number of seconds it takes to hear a clap of thunder after witnessing a flash of lightning. The number of seconds is then divided by five to get the distance, in miles, to the lightning flash. Generally, a 30-second or less flash-to-bang count suggests it is advisable to move the athletes from the field to a safe shelter.
National Weather Service - Weather can be monitored using small, portable weather radios from the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS uses a system of severe storm watches and warnings. A watch indicates conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in an area; a warning indicates severe weather has been reported in an area, and everyone should take proper precautions.
Management
Evacuation - If lightning is imminent or a thunderstorm is approaching, all personnel, athletes and spectators shall evacuate to available safe structures or shelters. A list of the closest safe structures shall be announced and posted at all athletic venues.
Thirty-Minute Rule - Once lightning has been recognized, competition shall be suspended until at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard. Given the average rates of thunderstorm travel, this would allow the storm to move 10-to-12 miles away from the area and significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes. Note: Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count shall reset the clock and another count should begin.
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