UNF Athletics Lightning Policy
Seeking a safe structure or location at the first sign of lightning or thunder activity is highly recommended. All individuals should be inside when lightning strikes approach ten (10) miles from the field of play. The MX Vision WeatherSentry Service through Schneider Electric will be utilized to determine when lightning strikes are becoming dangerously close. If WeatherSentry is unavailable, play will be halted when lightning is observed regardless of the distance.
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The Schneider Electric Weather Service, WeatherSentry, will be the primary indicator used to determine if play should continue when available. A text message will be sent to the Athletic Trainer and/or Athletic Administrator covering the event indicatinghow far away, in miles, the lightning strike took place. When a text message indicates strikes are occurring within ten (10) miles, play will be suspended.
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Play will not resume until an all clear text message has been received from the WeatherSentry, all clear message is sent 30min after the last lightning strike is detected.
Recommendations for safe locations are as follows:
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Substantial buildings that are fully enclosed
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A vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. Convertible vehicles and golf carts are not acceptable.
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Avoid being in contact with, or in close proximity to, the highest point of an open field or on the open water.
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Do not take shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.
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If you or an athlete feels “hair stand on end or skin tingle or hear crackling noises” you should assume the lightening position. The position is crouched on the ground, weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered, and ears covered. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.
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People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. Therefore, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is safe for the responder. If possible, an injured person should be moved to a safer location before starting CPR and emergency plans should be carried out.
**All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site or activity without fear of repercussion or penalty, in order to seek a safe structure or location if they feel they are in danger from impending lightning activity.
PROCEDURE
Practice
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When dangerous weather is projected, the Athletic Trainer present at practice will notify the coach approaching weather.
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If the Athletic Trainer is notified of a strike within. Ten (10) miles they will notify the coach.
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The coach will stop practice at notification of the first sign of lightning within ten (10) miles. The team will move to a safe location immediately. Safe locations for each of UNF practice facilities is listed below.
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Practice may resume once the Athletic Trainer has received an “All Clear” message from WeatherSentry.
Competition/Game:
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If poor weather is suspected, the Certified Athletic Trainer and Athletic Administrator will discuss the Lightning Policy with referees/umpires before the start of the competition.
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During competition the Athletic Trainer/Athletic Administrator will advise the referees/umpires at the first sign of the lightning alert within ten (10) miles or a lightning strike is observed.
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The referee will then stop the game.
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Both teams participating will immediately move to a safe location.
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Competition may resume once an “All Clear” message has been received from WeatherSentry.
**Spectators will be notified via public address system that it is recommended they move to a safe location.
Lightning-Safe Locations by Venue
Hodges Stadium (M&W Soccer, M&W Cross Country/Track Field)
- Hodges Stadium locker rooms, athletic training room, offices, weight room
- Personal vehicles
- Breezeways and covered areas DO NOT qualify as safe locations
- Inside Tennis Center
- Hodges Stadium locker rooms, athletic training room, offices, weight room
- UNF Wellness Center
- Within UNF Arena or Harmon Stadium Locker Rooms
- Dugouts and batting cages DO NOT qualify as safe locations
- Within UNF Arena or Harmon Stadium Locker Rooms
- Dugouts and batting cages DO NOT qualify as safe locations
- Within the Clubhouse
- During off campus events, lightning policy established by host facility will be followed
- Locker Room or Student Activity Center
- Personal Vehicles
- Team Tents and under awnings DO NOT qualify as safe locations
- Within UNF Arena or Harmon Stadium Locker Rooms
- Personal Vehicles
