Lightning/Thunder NFHS Policy

mrm21711 · #1 (**permalink**) Mon May 17, 2004, 06:08pm

I am a varsity umpire and have umpired for 6 seasons. My question is in regards to the NFHS Rule Book (Baseball) in the front with the "Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances." My question is are we supposed to treat thunder (loud but no visual) the same as lightning? There has been some confusion, and I know to always err on the side of safety but am curious to the "official" correct ruling from you guys. Does the sound of thunder immediatley call for the suspension of a game, the same as lightning would? Thanks

ref5678 · #2 (**permalink**) Mon May 17, 2004, 07:11pm

If I hear thunder, or see any lighting I send the teams to their dugouts. You might check with your state association they might have a written protocol you can use.

GarthB · #3 (**permalink**) Mon May 17, 2004, 07:30pm

Quote:

Originally posted by mrm21711
I am a varsity umpire and have umpired for 6 seasons. My question is in regards to the NFHS Rule Book (Baseball) in the front with the "Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances." My question is are we supposed to treat thunder (loud but no visual) the same as lightning? There has been some confusion, and I know to always err on the side of safety but am curious to the "official" correct ruling from you guys. Does the sound of thunder immediatley call for the suspension of a game, the same as lightning would? Thanks

Treat thunder as you would lightning. Even if you can't see the lightning, if you hear thunder, it's there somewhere. Thunder is the sound you hear when lightning heats up the air to the point it "explodes."

If you can see the lightning, count the seconds until you hear the thunder. Sound travels roughly at 1 km per three seconds or 1 mile per five seconds.

Our local policy is that if the lightning is within three miles, we vacate the field immediately.

(I need to clarify this. What I described is the action we take in the case of single incident lightning. If we are experiencing multiple strikes, we are gone, NOW, regardless of the distance.)

[Edited by GarthB on May 17th, 2004 at 11:52 PM]

Delaware Blue · #4 (**permalink**) Mon May 17, 2004, 08:39pm

My question is are we supposed to treat thunder (loud but no visual) the same as lightning?

Lightning causes thunder so when you hear thunder lightning must be present. We just had this discussion tonight at our association meeting. We were told that any sighting of lightning or sound of thunder, regardless of how far away we think it may be, should result in the field being cleared. Our state FED association requires that we remain off the fields for 30 minutes from the last flash of lightning or rumble of thunder. Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds overhead in the sky.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm