The 30 minute lightning rule for track and cross country practice
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) publishes guidance for handling practices and contests during lightning or thunder. Here is what it says, and how FieldSync Pro helps a coach follow it.
What the NFHS guidance says
When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the storm is close enough to strike. Suspend practice and get everyone to safe shelter right away. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is seen before going back out. Any thunder or lightning during those 30 minutes restarts the count.
What counts as shelter
A substantial building that people use often, with plumbing or electrical wiring, or a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows closed. Dugouts, sheds, tents and open shelters are not safe shelter. Your school's lightning safety plan should name the shelter for each field and course.
How FieldSync Pro runs the hold
Tap Heard thunder on the practice and a 30 minute lightning hold starts. Every athlete and parent on the practice is told at once that practice is on hold and to get inside. Heard it again restarts the count. When the 30 minutes are up, you decide to go back out, and everyone is told. Athletes can tap I saw lightning to alert their coaches.
The coach decides
The app keeps the count and gets the word out. It never ends a hold on its own and never says it is safe. When the 30 minutes are up it says exactly that, and the decision to go back out stays with the coach and your school's plan.
Source: NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests During Lightning or Thunder Disturbances
Questions coaches ask
Does the 30 minutes start over?
Yes. Under the NFHS guidance, any thunder heard or lightning seen during the 30 minutes restarts the count.
Who is told when practice stops?
In FieldSync Pro, every athlete on the practice and every parent following the team, right away. Lightning holds always come through, even when other notifications are turned off.
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