At any level of Rugby, from grassroots all the way up to the professional game, understanding the dangers of lightning and the proper precautions to take will assist in minimising incidents from lightning strikes. The actions that should be taken, when there is a threat of a lightning strike, will depend on the level of information available to event/competition organisers or match officials.
The following action steps should be incorporated into any policy/guideline:
When the lightning strike is within 6 miles of the venue, it is recommended that players are removed from the pitch. The speed of sound through air is approximately 0.2 miles per second, so for every 5 seconds of time between the lightning flash and the associated thunder clap, the strike is 1 mile away. The approximate distance (in miles) can be calculated by counting the time (in seconds) between the two events and dividing it by 5. Recommended safe distances from the lightning event is 6 miles.
For events/venues where live data direct from local weather services is not available, the 30/30 rule should be used to ensure participant and spectator safety:
For example, a lightning strike is seen at 12.03pm and the associated thunder clap heard 28 seconds later. This means that the strike was 5.6 miles (28 seconds/0.2 miles per second) away. Action should now be taken to immediately move players to a safe location. The storm continues and the last strike is observed or heard at 12.18pm, return to the field of play should not be permitted until at least 12.48pm.
The 6 mile recommendation may be altered depending on the topography of the area. For example, to increase this distance in flat open areas such as deserts or decrease it if the storm is located on the other side of a mountain range.
Safe locations include:
Unsafe areas and situations include:
For spectators, individual stadium safety protocols should be followed in the event of a strike risk. For events which are not taking place in a stadium, the same protocols as those for players should be followed.
World Rugby Guidelines have been developed to provide guidance to Member Unions when developing a Policy for an identified medical risk. These Guidelines are not mandatory but provide guidance that should be considered when developing a Union specific Policy. World Rugby Guidelines may include background or research information and may identify core features required in a Policy.