Spring and summer can bring severe weather and lightning which can be dangerous to our patrons using outdoor facilities. It is a guideline of the Woodridge Park District that all persons supervising outdoor activities be aware that when lightning or thunder is observed or heard, outdoor programs should be suspended and everyone should seek appropriate shelter. The Woodridge Park District, Woodridge Soccer Association and Storm Traveling Soccer Club are committed to protecting the safety of all players and spectators during play for both practices and games. Coaches, trainers, parents, referees and supervisors shall follow the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule for approaching storms commonly referred to as the “Flash to Bang Count” and the following severe weather and lightning guidelines:
- If threatening weather is imminent for games, coaches have a responsibility of informing the head referee and opposing coaches of the Woodridge Park District’s rule for lightning safety. If the referee or opponent coaches refuse to abide by the rule, the coach has a duty to protect and ensure the safety of those he/she is responsible for and shall follow the weather-related safety guidelines. If threatening weather is imminent for practices, coaches, trainers, managers, and supervising parents have a responsibility of conforming to the rule for lightning safety.
- Go indoors if, whenever lightning is observed or thunder is audible, or you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Safer locations during thunderstorms and locations to avoid:
- No place is absolutely safe from the lightning threat; however, some places are safer than others.
- In general, fully enclosed metal vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, vans, fully enclosed farm vehicles, etc. with the windows rolled up provide good shelter from lightning. Avoid contact with metal or conducting surfaces outside or inside the vehicle.
- AVOID being in or near high places and open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, rain or picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, communications towers, flagpoles, light poles, bleachers (metal or wood), metal fences, convertibles, golf carts, water (ocean, lakes, swimming pools, rivers, etc.).
- All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without the fear of repercussions or penalty from anyone.
