Blue Ridge Mountain Little League (BRMLL)

LIGHTNING POLICY

Each year in the United States, more than four hundred people are struck by lightning. On average, about 70 people are killed and many others suffer permanent neurological disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. When thunderstorms threaten, coaches and sports officials must not let the desire to start or complete an athletic activity hinder their judgment when the safety of participants and spectators is in jeopardy. All thunderstorms produce and are dangerous. Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of storms because people wait too long before seeking shelter, or after storms because people return outside too soon. If you hear thunder, you are in danger. Anytime thunder is heard, the thunderstorm is close enough to pose an immediate lightning threat to your location. A thunderstorm can cast lightning up to 10 miles from the edge of a storm, and/or about as far as the sound thunder can carry.

It is important for coaches, officials, parents and volunteers to understand the basic facts about lightning and its dangers. Coaches, officials, parents and volunteers have a responsibility to promote and help enforce this policy. Play it safe every time, our kids’ lives may depend on you!

As follows, the guidelines are Little League International’s and BRMLL regarding lightning safety is:

BRMLL Safety Guidance

• Be proactive and assess the risk level in advance of your scheduled game, activity or event for developing or approaching storms.
• Use the free WeatherBug Mobile App.  WeatherBug’s Spark Alert function gives you real-time readings from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network to tell you how close the nearest lightning is to you.
• For more information on lightning safety, visit NOAA’s website.

BRMLL Lightning Policy

• With the first visible lightning – clear the field;
• When lightning is determined to be within 10 miles, play shall be suspended immediately. Players, managers, coaches and other volunteers shall be cleared from the dugout and all external field areas entirely. Go to a large enclosed building if one is nearby; go to metal-top cars, with windows rolled up, if no enclosed building is available;
• Once a game/activity has been suspended, all players shall remain completely clear of all field areas and remain so until an “all clear” is issued by the Umpire;
• The “all clear” can only be issued when one or both of the following apply:
  • All lightning activity has moved beyond the 10-mile radius from the field and so long as no additional lightning is expected to move into the area.
  • At least 30 minutes has elapsed from the last visible lightning strike or the presence of thunder.
• At the discretion of the Umpire the game can be cancelled as a rainout;
• In the event of game cancellation, make sure all players are accounted for and leave with approved persons;

Emergency Information

• If someone is struck by lightning:
  • Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to handle, and need immediate medical attention.
  • Call 911 for help. Have someone call 911 or your local ambulance service.
  • Give first aid. Begin CPR if necessary.
  • If possible, move the victim to a safer place.

Further info can be found at: 

https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/appendices/appendix-a/

brmll lightning policy.pdf