If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
Referees and Coaches should adhere to the following:
If lightning is within five miles, with or without hearing thunder, the game(s) or practice(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector or similar app can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
- Mass Youth Soccer recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a designated severe weather shelter, if there is one nearby.
- Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc, should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.
- Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen or roll of thunder is heard.
- Tournaments should inform participating teams of notification and evacuation plans and shelters near the playing sites.