Indiana soccer weather recommendations

Recognizing Lightning Risk

Lightning is unpredictable, and if thunder can be heard, participants are already within strike range. Indiana Soccer follows the 30–30 Rule:

• If the time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less, all players, coaches, referees, and spectators must immediately leave the fields and seek proper shelter. 
• Play may not resume until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. 

Stopping Play

• Referees and league officials are required to stop games or practices as soon as a lightning threat is detected. Safety takes priority over game outcomes or scheduling.
• All players, coaches, parents/guardians and siblings/friends should retreat to their vehicle.
• When practice/game is called for lightning, ALL CHILDREN NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PLAYGROUND.  Any children on the playground after practice/game is called they will be asked to leave the playground by board member or adult volunteer. This is for their safety and the liability of the league/school and will not be allowed.  

When Play Can Resume

Play may only resume when:

• Lightning has moved beyond the safe distance, and
• At least 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder 

General Safety Expectations

• Always follow instructions from referees, coaches, and league officials.
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution—no game or practice is worth the risk. 
• If fields are closed due to weather, no practices may be held.

PRACTICE: 

• Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat index. 
• Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.  
• Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration. 
• Ice-down towels, water sprinklers, fans, shade etc… for cooling.  
• Watch/monitor athletes carefully for any heat distress and any necessary action. 

GAME:

• Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat index. 
• Mandatory water breaks halfway through each half (when ball is out of play), 2 minutes in length. 
• Ice-down towels, water sprinklers, fans, shade etc…for cooling. 
• Watch/monitor athletes carefully for any heat distress and any necessary action. 

PRACTICE:

• Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat index. 
• Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.  
• Mandatory water breaks every 20 minutes for 10 minutes duration. 
• Ice-down towels, water sprinklers, fans, shade etc… for cooling.  
• Watch/monitor athletes carefully for any heat distress and any necessary action.
•  Postpone practice to later in day if possible. 

GAME:

• Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat index. 
• Mandatory water breaks halfway through each half (when ball is out of play), 2 minutes in length. 
•  Ice-down towels, water sprinklers, fans, shade etc…for cooling. 
• Watch/monitor athletes carefully for any heat distress and any necessary action. 

• Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play!