When do we suspend a game for lightning, and when can we resume?

Under the NFHS guidelines on handling contests during lightning or thunder:

• When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the storm is close enough to strike. Suspend play and send everyone to a designated safer place immediately.
• Safer places: a substantial building with plumbing and wiring, such as a school or gym. If none is available, a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a hardtop car or school bus.
• Resume only after at least 30 minutes with no thunder or lightning. Any new thunder or lightning restarts the 30-minute count.
• Hearing thunder or seeing lightning overrides what a lightning-detection app or device says.
• At night, distant flashes low on the horizon with no audible thunder may not be a threat.

Unfinished games (boys): since 2026, a boys game interrupted and not resumed the same day is complete if three quarters have been played. State associations may modify game-ending procedures.