Purpose
The purpose of this guidance is to set out the actions and precautions that must be taken in the event of a thunderstorm to protect the safety of all participants in grassroots football.
This guidance is specific to football activities. For wider weather safety information, participants should always refer to the latest Met Office guidance.
Scope.
This guidance applies to all FDYFL participants, parents, coaches, referees, and officials during any outdoor football activity, including matches and training.
Planning
- All participants should check weather forecasts prior to matches and training.
- The home team should consider contingency plans, such as:
- Delaying the start of the game.
- Identifying safe shelter locations in case of severe weather.
Responsibility
- Match officials have the final decision on whether to postpone, cancel, or abandon a fixture due to thunderstorms. This should, where possible, be discussed with both teams before kick-off.
- For training or other activities, the coach/manager or event organiser is responsible for these decisions.
When to Postpone, Cancel, or Abandon
- If severe weather is likely to make the event unsafe (e.g. thunder, lightning, extreme wind, heavy rain), the activity must be postponed or cancelled.
- If unsafe conditions develop after an event has started, it must be stopped immediately, and all participants should seek safe shelter.
- Activities should only resume at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
- Safety must always take priority over completing fixtures.
Safety Guidance During a Thunderstorm
- 30–30 Rule: If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, conditions are unsafe.
- Seek shelter indoors or inside a fully enclosed vehicle as soon as possible.
- Avoid: open fields, tall trees, poles, umbrellas, metal fences, and standing water.
- Do not lie flat on the ground.
- If in an exposed area, crouch low with feet together, head down, and hands over ears.
- If hair stands on end, drop immediately into the above position.
After a Thunderstorm
- Do not resume activity until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Officials should also assess the pitch for debris, waterlogging, or other hazards before restarting play.
Emergency Procedures
- Fixtures cancelled or abandoned due to thunderstorms will be managed in accordance with FDYFL competition rules.
- Where matches are postponed and restarted, the referee or organiser must reassess the pitch to confirm it is safe to continue.
Disclaimer
This guidance does not replace professional health and safety advice. The FDYFL accepts no liability for incidents arising from thunderstorms. Participants should follow Met Office updates and exercise personal responsibility at all times.