What happens if there's thunder or lightning during a game?
Guideline- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- Varsity
- NFHS soccer rules
- 2026-27 season
- Players
Under the NFHS lightning guidelines:
- When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the storm is close enough to strike. Play is suspended and everyone goes to a 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.
- Play resumes only after at least 30 minutes with no thunder or lightning. Any new thunder or lightning restarts the 30-minute count.
- If you hear thunder or see lightning, that takes priority over what a lightning app or detector says.
If a game is suspended and can't be finished, it counts as an official game once one half has been played, unless your state association sets something different.
Added 21 Oct 2026