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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


Panel Login

Question Number: 22373

League Specific 10/26/2009

RE: District Adult

bill cowie of Langley, B.C., British Columbia Canada asks...

What info can you give me regarding if thunder starts during a game. In a recent game I heard one rumble far off, and it came to mind I have had no direction from our clubs or governing body on how we deal with such an event. Of course if it was close I would postpone or call the game off, but Im open for more direction.

Cheers Bill

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Lightning is dangerous, and can strike from far distances. Thunder occurs only when there is lightning, even if that lightning is not seen. The only sane recommendation is to seek shelter.



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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If you do the right thing expect to be called overprotective or unrealistic such is the nature of those who want to play and think it cannot happen to them!

Talking to the coaches regarding steps you will take to ensure player safety in threatening weather conditions could be useful.
I really think your league SHOULD have guidelines in place and if they do not get on the pulpit and preach they do so!

I suggest you could apply the 30-30 rule
When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. If you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter. If you can hear the thunder, you are within reach of lightning.
The best shelter is a large, fully enclosed, substantially constructed building. A vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides is a reasonable second choice. Avoid the most dangerous locations: higher elevations; wide open areas, including fields; tall isolated objects, such as trees, poles, or light posts; unprotected open buildings; rain shelters; bus stops; metal fences and metal bleachers.
If someone is hit, remember that deaths from lightning result from cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, respectively, are the recommended first aid.

Below is a link to a personal protector unit.
http://www.strikealert.com/ProductInfo.htm

StrikeAlert, by Outdoors Technologies, is a small and affordable lightning detector that provides an early warning of approaching lightning strikes from as far away as 40 miles and lets you know if the storm is coming your way.

An audible warning sounds before (and while) lightning is within striking distance. When there's a strike a corresponding LED light illuminates accordingly at lightning distances of 20-40 miles, 12-24 miles, 6-12 miles and within 6 miles.

The detector is housed in a small pager-like casing that can be clipped on a belt loop and runs on a two AAA batteries. It's perfect for outdoor sporting events and activities.

Cheers



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