According to many safety organizations, including the National Lightning Safety Institute, the 30/30 rule should be applied when dealing with lightning.   It simply says that if the time between the visual sighting of a lightning strike and the sound of thunder is less than 30 seconds, cover needs to be found immediately.   The second “30” refers to the amount of time (in minutes) that you must wait until after the last thunder is heard before you return outside.

Statistics for lightning injuries and deaths are shocking.   According to US Youth Soccer, over 400 children are struck by lightning each year, with nearly 80 deaths occurring and many more with permanent disabilities.   The National Lightning Safety Institute reports that lightning deaths rate #2 in weather related deaths each year behind floods, ahead of tornados and hurricanes.  Many many more sustain serious permanent neurological injuries.

Coaches, parents, players and all associated youth sports need to become informed about the dangers of lightning, what to do when it occurs, how to protect themselves, and what to do in an emergency when someone is struck by lightning.

Go to the links below for more detailed information:

National Lightning Safety Institute   http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/hazardwarning.html
US Youth Soccer   http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/story.asp?story_id=622
National Athletic Trainers Association Lightning Policy http://www.aahperd.org/NASPE/pdf_files/pos_papers/guidelines_lightning.pdf
National Weather Service Lightning Safety  http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm