Lightning is very dangerous on baseball field and should not be ignored.
The Ontario Baseball Association has developed a Lightning Protocol and an information sheet (PDF) that can be viewed at this link.
Here is a summary of the so-called 30-30 Rule
- If the time between when you see the flash and hear the thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you.
- Each second represents approximately 300 metres. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds, the storm is within 10 km.
- If you haven’t already, seek shelter immediately.
- Wait inside until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash of lightning.
- Should you see another flash of lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds during that 30 minute wait period, the clock is reset to 30 minutes and the wait begins again.
Tip: If you are playing at Millwood 1 or Millwood 2, we can often hear the lightning warning horn that goes off at Markland Wood Golf course. Should you hear that horn, please stop your games immediately and seek shelter.
Please share this information with your Coaches and Umpires.