A Model Lightning Safety Policy for Athletics.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-1-1997

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present a model policy on lightning safety for athletic trainers.

BACKGROUND: Among college athletic programs in the United States there is a serious lack of written policy on lightning safety. Available evidence shows that most National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institutions, even though they are located in high lightning activity areas of the country, do not have formal, written lightning safety policies.

CLINICAL ADVANTAGES/ RECOMMENDATIONS: The policy presented herein, which is at the forefront of such policies, is the lightning safety policy written as part of a policies and procedures manual for the division of sports medicine at a public NCAA Division I university. This is a policy based on practicality that utilizes the "flash-to- bang" method for determining the distance of lightning activity from the observer. The policy begins with the importance of prevention, including the daily monitoring of weather reports. The policy defines a "safe shelter" and specifies the chain of command for determining who removes a team or individuals from an athletic site in the event of dangerous lightning activity.

Volume

32

Issue

3

First Page

251

Last Page

253

ISSN

1062-6050

Disciplines

Education | Medical Education

PubMedID

16558459

Department(s)

Department of Education, Medical Education

Document Type

Article

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