In accordance with NCAA Sports Medicine Guideline 1d, we have developed the following protocol to minimize the risk of injury from lightning for athletes, staff and spectators.

Lightning Monitors
Either an electronic lightning monitor or the Flash to Bang method will be used to monitor lightning for evacuation of the playing field for a safer environment. With this method the seconds are counted from the time a flash of lightning is seen until a clap of thunder is heard. When this number is 30 seconds or less, evacuation of the field should be under way. Lightning awareness should begin with the first flash of lightning seen or thunder clap heard.

Whenever possible the athletic staff will monitor for National Weather Service storm "warning" and "watches" in the area. A "watch" means conditions are favorable for a severe weather. A "warning" means that severe weather has been reported in an area and everyone should take proper precautions.

Monitors at Practice
During intercollegiate practices the student athletic trainers will monitor the lightning situation using the flash to bang method or electronic lightning monitor. When the safety threshold is reached, the SAT's will inform the coaching staff. It is then the coaching staff's responsibility to begin evacuation of the team to a safe structure. The SAT's will evacuate themselves to a safe structure.

If SAT's are not covering a practice, the responsibility for monitoring lightning with the flash to bang method falls upon the coaching staff.

Monitors at Games
During intercollegiate games the Certified Athletic Trainer will monitor the lightning situation using the flash to bang method or the electronic lightning monitor. When the safety threshold is reached, the ATC will inform the officials that the game should be postponed and evacuation should begin to a safe structure.

An announcement will be then be made to the fans advising them of the nearest safe structure. At a soccer or lacrosse game the announcement will be made via the sound system. At a softball or baseball game this information will be relayed by the athletic staff present.

Resumption of Activities
The NCAA guideline recommends athletic activities should not begin until 30 minutes after the last clasp of thunder was heard or the last flash of lightning was seen.

Safe Locations/ Structures
Intramural Fields- Athletes, athletic staff, and spectators should use their automobile, van or bus. Any vehicle with a hard metal roof and rolled up windows provides a safe environment.

Softball/ Baseball Fields- Athletes, athletic staff, and spectators should use their automobile, van, or bus. Any vehicle with a hard metal roof and rolled up windows provides a safe environment.

Soccer Lacrosse Game/ Practice Complex- Athletes, athletic staff, and spectators should use the Sports Center for a safe environment. Alternately an automobile, van or bus can be used as above.