When do we stop for lightning, and when can we resume?

The NFHS default guidelines for contests during lightning (detailed in the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook) are:

• When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the storm is close enough to strike. Suspend competition and take shelter immediately.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming.
• Any thunder or lightning during the 30 minutes restarts the count.

Plan ahead: assign someone to monitor the weather before and during the meet, have an evacuation plan with nearby shelters identified, and review it regularly with staff.

State associations and meet management may set their own policies.