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posted 06/18/2009 YLM Severe Weather Guidelines - The 30-30 rule
"The 30-30 rule for lightning safety could save your life. The first
'30' means that you need to take cover if you hear thunder within 30
seconds of the lightning flash (known as the "flash to bang" ratio).
Then wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or
thunder before resuming normal activity (the second '30').
Lightning research has confirmed that consecutive lightning strikes
can occur as much as six miles apart. People often do not perceive
lightning to be close if it is two miles or more away, but the risk of
the next strike being at your location may actually be very high. Many
lightning casualties occur in the beginning as a thunderstorm
approaches because people ignore these precursors.
When thunderstorms are in the area but not overhead, the lightning
threat can exist even if it is sunny at your location!"
Game Delay or Cancellation
Head coaches, officials and table monitors decide jointly whether to
cancel a game. A game which is more than half way through the third
quarter is considered an official game score. It does not need to
restart or be rescheduled. All individuals should clear the field
ASAP if the game is stopped due to lighting.
In the case of an incomplete game, a minimum 30 minute delay is the
recommendation following a lightening sighting. If there are no more
sightings, the game can renew after 30 minutes. If there is no safe
place to wait out the lightening then a game cancellation should be a
primary consideration.
