Lightning & Severe Weather

Lightning is among the top ten causes of sudden death in sport, and since most soccer is played outdoors, weather is a real safety concern. These guidelines come from U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program and the Korey Stringer Institute. Coaches, officials, trainers, and administrators all share responsibility for deciding when to suspend or resume play, and everyone should know the nearest safe shelter.

When to stop:

• No outdoor location is safe once thunderstorms are in the area. Suspend all activity immediately, even before lightning or thunder is observed, and move everyone indoors.
• If lightning has been detected within 10 miles, or any thunder is heard, suspend all games and practices immediately and have everyone seek shelter right away.
• Check the National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, or local media for watches and warnings. Many services can send alerts directly to your phone.

Where to shelter:

• Best option: a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing.
• Backup option: a fully enclosed vehicle with a solid metal roof, like a school bus.
• Never use open fields or open sided shelters. If no safe shelter is nearby, stop play well before the storm arrives so everyone has time to reach safety.
• Shelter in vehicles or permanent structures such as bathrooms or concession buildings. Avoid open structures, trees, tents, and metal or other conductive materials.

When it's safe to resume:

• Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming. Any new thunder or lightning resets the 30 minute clock.
• Lightning can strike from over 10 miles away, and danger can linger 20 to 30 minutes after a storm passes. If storms continue for an extended period, the activity will be canceled.
• The coach will notify the team when it's safe to return, or if the activity is canceled.

Hot Weather

Heat related illness, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, can be serious and even life threatening. U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program provides hydration and safety guidance for training and games in warm weather. This information does not replace medical advice, so talk to a physician with specific health concerns.

Watch for signs of overheating: fatigue, nausea, headache, cramps, dry mouth, and reduced sweating. Limiting outdoor exposure and keeping players well hydrated during extreme heat are the best ways to keep everyone safe. Click on TSA's Hot Weather Guidelines above for more detailed information, including specific temperature thresholds and hydration break schedules.

Cold Weather

Cold weather brings its own risks, including trouble breathing, muscle pulls, numbness in extremities, frostbite, and a higher chance of injury on hard, cold surfaces. What counts as dangerous cold varies by region, since tolerance depends on what people are used to. U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover program offers guidance here as well, and again, this isn't a substitute for medical advice.

Limiting outdoor exposure during extreme cold helps keep the playing environment safe. Click on TSA's Cold Weather Guidelines above for more detailed information, including specific recommendations based on temperature or wind chill, exposure time, and appropriate clothing.