THUNDER/LIGHTNING POLICY

Applied to regular season through NYSPHSAA Finals:

A.  If lightning is observed at the site of an outdoor contest by the official(s) 15 or fewer minutes prior to the scheduled start of that contest, the official(s) and the responsible school authorities shall not permit that contest to be played on that date.

B.  If lightning is observed at the site of an outdoor contest by the official(s) during the playing of the contest, the official(s) shall immediately cease play for the day.  The rules of the particular sport shall determine whether the contest is “official” or must be resumed at a later date.  Each official at the site shall be paid the full game fee.

C.  During Section Championships and NYSPHSAA Qualifiers, the Section will follow the NYSPHSAA Thunder and Lightning Policy under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Chair or designee.
NYSPHSAA Thunder and Lightning Policy:
When thunder is heard and/or lightning is seen or when using the MyLightning Tracker App, if lightning is detected within 15 miles of the event location (Jan. 2024), the following procedures should be adhered to:
a. Suspend play and direct participants to go to shelter, a building normally occupied by the public or if a building is unavailable, participants should go inside a vehicle with a solid metal top (e.g. bus, van, and car)
b. Do not permit people to stand under or near a tree; and have all stay away from poles, antennas, towers and underground watering systems.
c. After the last boom is heard, strike is seen or lightning has not been detected within 15 miles of the event by using the MyLightning Tracker App (Jan 2024), wait 30 minutes before resuming play or competition.