Lightning Safety
All referees are responsible for making the safest decision when dealing with severe weather. No game matters more than the lives of the players, coaches, spectators, and referees. If in doubt, or if you disagree with a site coordinator's decision to continue or return to play, contact your assignor. Lightning within a 10 mile radius is close enough to strike.
WHEN THUNDER IS HEARD
OR
LIGHTNING IS SEEN
​
SUSPEND PLAY,
NOTE THE GAME TIME AND SCORE,
TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY
PRESS BOXES, SHEDS, STORAGE BUILDINGS,
PICNIC SHELTERS, OR DUGOUTS WILL NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE
PROTECTION
​
THIRTY-MINUTE RULE
WAIT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER THE LAST
THUNDER IS HEARD OR FLASH OF LIGHTNING
BEFORE RESUMING PLAY
​
ANY SUBSEQUENT THUNDER OR LIGHTNING RESETS
THE CLOCK AND BEGINS ANOTHER 30 MINUTE DELAY
​
​
​