Lightning & Inclement Weather
Emphasis on Lightning and Inclement Weather is addressed as an AYL Sports Regulation. The Lightning and Inclement Weather Policy is relative to ALL Auburn Youth Lacrosse Teams..
WEATHER
Recognition:
Coaches, athletic trainers, athletes, administrators and contest officials should be educated regarding the signs indicating thunderstorm development. Since the average distance between successive lightening flashes is approximately two to three miles ANYTIME that lightning can be seen or 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.
• National Weather Service – Weather can also be monitored using small, portable weather radios from the NWS. The NWS uses a system of severe storm watches and warnings 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. Any thunderstorm poses a risk of injury or death even if it does not meet the criteria for severe weather. Therefore, anytime thunderstorms are in the forecast (even if it is only a 20 percent chance), event organizers should be at a heightened level of awareness to the potential danger of lightning.
Management:
• Evacuation- If lightening is imminent or a thunderstorm is approaching, all personnel, athletes and spectators shall evacuate to available safe structures or shelters.
• Thirty-minute rule- Competition or practice shall be suspended once lightning has been recognized or thunder is heard. It is required to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard prior to resuming practice or competition. Given the average rates of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10-12 miles away from the area. This significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes.
Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count shall reset the clock, and another count shall begin.
