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Severe Weather and Heat Policies
Updated Monday June 10, 2019 by KMSL.NFHS Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests During Lightning or Thunder Disturbances
These guidelines provide a default policy to those responsible or sharing duties for making decisions concerning the suspension and restarting of practices and contests based on the presence of lightning or thunder. If the game is being played on a campus with a more restrictive policy, the more restrictive policy shall be used.
- When thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a visible lightning strike, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play for thirty minutes and take shelter immediately.
- Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
- Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
TSSAA Heat Policy - Modifications for Soccer Competition when the
Heat Index is 95°-104°
The referee shall stop the game for a heat time-out lasting no less than five minutes during the first and second half. The time-out will be called at the first logical time to stop play after the 20 minute mark of each half.