Eastern Plains Referee Association

NCHSAA Lightning Policy 

Per NCHSAA, the school administrator has the authority to decide whether a match will or will not be played for any reason up until kickoff. The high school rule further states that after the match has started, "the referee is responsible with the assistance from school administration and coaches." As such, if the referees do not see lightning or otherwise are not using good judgment in stopping a match, the home team school administrator (who is required to be present at every match) can gain the attention of the referee to stop the match. Every referee should in fact stop the match if asked to do so by the administrator.  Either coach can also bring the lightning concern to the attention of the referee.

The official NCHSAA criteria for suspension and resumption of play when lightning exists is as follows:

A.                 A 30-second or less flash-to-bang (lightning to thunder) count calls for removal of the athletes from the field to an appropriate shelter.

B.         Thirty minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard prior to resuming play.

 The 30 second rule is an indicator as to how close the lightning is to the field.