Resources
Lightning Protocol
India Ultimate's 30/30 Lightning Protocol — when to evacuate the field and when it's safe to resume play.
Lightning Protocol
India Ultimate 30/30 Lightning Protocol
(Short version)
- See a lightning strike.
- Thunder within 30 seconds of the lightning strike.
- Evacuate the field immediately.
- Echo the call to the field next to you.
- 30-minute delay.
Detailed Version
It does not have to be raining for lightning to be present. When lightning is sighted within a 10 km range, the following policy should be followed at every India Ultimate event.
Range is determined using the "flash-bang" method: count the seconds from the lightning strike to the sound of thunder, then divide by three. The result is an estimate, in kilometres, of the strike's range. If the result is 10 km or less (equal to 30 seconds), follow the steps below.
- All players must evacuate the field and seek shelter immediately. Safe shelter includes enclosed buildings and fully enclosed metal vehicles with the windows up.
- If you can't reach a safe shelter, avoid being the tallest object in an open field. Stay away from other tall objects, metal objects and water — crouch down with only the balls of your feet touching the ground and your hands covering your ears.
- Do not resume play until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning strike or sound of thunder.
- Every sanctioned tournament should appoint a Storm Safety Officer to monitor conditions and make the call to suspend play.