William Monroe Severe Weather Policy and Procedure

General Policy

In the event of lightning, we follow guidelines in accordance with the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and the University of Virginia recommendations regarding lightning safety. William Monroe’s Certified Athletic Trainer and/or the Athletic Director, Administrator or designee will monitor the weather.  They will make decisions to suspend activity.

The decision to suspend activity will be determined through the use of hand held lightning detectors and the use of the Flash-Bang method in the absence of a hand held lightning detector.  Once it is determined that lightning is within a 10-mile range, activities will be suspended. William Monroe will also use the 30-minute rule. Once lightning is seen or thunder is heard, we will wait a minimum of 30 minutes with any subsequent lightning or thunder resetting the 30 - minute clock.  

Return To Play Guidelines

Play may resume when the storm is 10-12 miles away (per lightning detector) and moving out of the area or 60+ seconds have passed (60/5 = 12 miles using the Flash-Bang Formula) from the time lightning is seen to the time thunder is heard AND no less than 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the 10-12 mile radius of the athletic event.

Evacuation Locations:

Spectators will be advised to clear the area they are in and return to their vehicles.  If they choose not to do so, it will be at their own risk.

Football teams will report to their locker room in the Adam Fargo Field House.  Visiting football teams will report to the visiting locker room in the basement of the Old Field House.

Soccer teams will report to the Adam Fargo Field House.   Visiting Soccer teams will report to the visiting locker room in the basement of the Old Field House.

Baseball teams will report to their locker room in the Adam Fargo Field House.  Visiting Baseball teams will report to the Adam Fargo Field House or the visiting locker room in the basement of the Old Field House.  (Depends on if we have multiple events occurring at the same time.)

Softball teams (Home and Away) will report to the Booster Room above the concessions stand.