After reviewing information from the National Lightning Safety Institute, NCYSA has adopted new protocol for lightning safety which will go into effect immediately (October 15, 2014). No more counting to determine whether to halt play. The new protocol goes like this.

If you see lightning, clear the field. If you hear thunder, clear the field. 

Play will be halted for a minimum of 30 minutes. If no lightning is spotted during the 30 minutes and/or no thunder is heard during the 30 minutes, play will resume. If lightning is seen and/or thunder is heard during the 30 minute period, the clock starts over. No play will resume until a minimum of 30 minutes passes with no thunder and/or no lightning.

The North Carolina Soccer Referee Association is in full support of this new NCYSA protocol. ALL NCSRA referees are being notified of this new protocol and are being instructed to impose the new protocol effective immediately

Thunder and lightning is extremely unpredictable. The threat is too dangerous and it just isn’t worth taking the chance.

Remember, IF YOU SEE LIGHTNING, CLEAR THE FIELD. IF YOU HEAR THUNDER, CLEAR THE FIELD.

Thank you for understanding and supporting our continuing effort to protect all NCYSA participants.

M. Keith Price
President
N C Youth Soccer