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New Jersey Youth Soccer

Lightning Safety

According to U.S Soccer’s Player Health and Safety Program, lighting is one of the top ten causes of sudden death in sports. Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while participating in outdoor activities each year. Of those struck, about 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game is not worth it. When it comes to making decisions to suspend or cancel play due to weather conditions, coaches, officials, athletic trainers, administrators, spectators, and participants all share responsibility.

NJ Youth Soccer direction and policy adheres to US Soccer’s Recognize to Recover (R2R) approach.  For specifics and detailed information, see U.S Soccer’s Comprehensive Player Health and Safety Program.

It is imperative to follow the guidelines outlined by US Soccer Recognize to Recover to ensure safety during these situations:

Recognize

  • Consult the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center or local media outlets for severe weather watches and warnings before all events. Alerts can be sent directly to your mobile device while you are on the field.
  • No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. All activity should be suspended, even if lightning or thunder has not yet been observed, and everyone should get indoors. Communicate this information completely and quickly to all participants.
  • If it has been half an hour since thunder, it’s safe to go outdoors. Outdoor activity may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning. The 30-minute clock restarts every time lightning flashes or thunder sounds.

Recover

If someone is injured by a lightning strike, follow these emergency management steps:

  • Call 911 and alert emergency medical responders (EMS).
  • Establish that the area is safe before moving to help victim. If there is more than one victim, first assist those who appear in the most severe condition.
  • Move individual(s) carefully to a safe location (victims of lightning strikes are safe to touch and do not carry an electric charge).
  • Initiate CPR on victims who are unconscious, not breathing or have no pulse. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
  • Evaluate the individual(s) for additional injuries, such as broken bones or dislocations. Notify EMS of the potential injuries when they arrive on the scene.

Contact Us

New Jersey Youth Soccer

3 Paragon Way, Suite 400
Freehold, New Jersey 07728

Phone: 609-490-0725
Email: [email protected]

New Jersey Youth Soccer

3 Paragon Way, Suite 400
Freehold, New Jersey 07728

Phone: 609-490-0725
Email: [email protected]
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