The SAC HC policy is that thunder is sufficient cause for canceling a game.

Referees and coaches should NOT wait to see lightning.

If there is no thunder, just rain, then it is up to the referee to decide whether to call the game, based on playing conditions and safety. Coaches may not cancel games.

SAC HC has a lightning detection system located at Northrop Fields at Covenant Park(NFCP). When any lightning is detected in the area, a siren will be sounded. All players, coaches, parents and spectators are expected to immediately leave the fields and go to their automobiles.

When the risk of a lightning strike has subsided, 3 blasts of the siren will signal an all clear mode. At that time play will be resumed. However, when the complex manager/referee stops a regularly scheduled game for thunder/lightning, the game being played at the time of the stoppage is canceled and will need to be made up at another time. This is primarily due to the tight scheduling of league games.  A delay of thirty minutes or more would severely impact all remaining games for the day.

Coaches are not to wait for either the complex manager or referees on this matter.  They are to remove team members immediately if thunder is heard or lightning is seen. Neither the coaches nor their team can be penalized in any manner for doing so. However, failure to obey this safety rule will be dealt with in a serious manner. 

At locations other than NFCP, the field manager/referees will wait a minimum of thirty (30) minutes from the time of interruption before considering the resumption of play. At NFCP, resumption of play will commence when the all clear signal is given by the lightning detection system (3 blasts on the siren).

If thunder is heard and/or lightning is observed at NFCP, or at any other facility on which a SAC HC team is playing, 30 or fewer minutes prior to the scheduled start of a contest, the complex manager/referee shall not permit the contest to begin until the weather has cleared or, at NFCP, the all clear siren has been activated.

Again, please note that this policy is in effect for regularly scheduled games, scrimmages and practices held at all locations/fields utilized by SAC HC teams. If thunder is heard and/or lightning observed, all teams must suspend play and everyone must depart the playing area and get inside their cars or other safe area.

If you are at home and hear thunder, what should you do?

If you are home at 1 pm and your game is at 2 pm, and SAC HC has not officially closed the fields, you should bring your team.  The decision to cancel a game at this time can only be made at the field. Thunder storms do blow over and we want to get in as many games as possible.