IMPORTANT Lighting Safety

Below are the AYSO National Guidelines for keeping players and yourselves safe.

• When thunder is heard or seen it is within striking distance.–seek shelter immediately.
• Do not wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended.  Enact the safety plan now!
• Restart games after no thunder has been heard or seen for 30 minutes.  Yes, this seems long, but see below...

Most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm, but before and after the storms have peaked. This is because lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining.

Event administrators, Regional Commissioners, Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator or referees will have the authority, to delay the start of play, call a halt in play or suspend/terminate a game due to severe weather conditions. 

Areas considered safe

• Inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle with windows up
• Inside a substantial building (roof and four walls)

Unsafe Areas

• Small buildings including picnic shelters and the open area of a concession stand
• Anywhere near metallic objects like flagpoles, antennas, towers, underground watering systems, soccer goals, metal bleachers, electric equipment
• Open fields, trees and water