Sports Weather
Sports Lightning Delay Guide: When Games Should Stop and Restart
A practical lightning safety guide for coaches, parents, referees, and outdoor sports organizers, including delay timing and shelter choices.
Quick answer: If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, outdoor sports should stop and people should move to a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.
Stop early
Do not wait for rain. Lightning can strike before a storm arrives or after rain ends.
Fields, bleachers, dugouts, open shelters, and isolated trees are poor lightning shelters.
Where to go
A substantial building with wiring and plumbing is best. A hard-topped vehicle is a backup.
Small open-sided pavilions, tents, and metal bleachers do not provide reliable protection.
Restart timing
A common rule is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming.
Each new thunder resets the clock.