WARNING – Lightning Safety: If lightning or thunder is observed at any distance, stop all field activities immediately and seek shelter indoors. Do not wait for lightning to occur over the field you are playing on. Do not resume play until 30 minutes after the last occurrence of lightning or thunder. See National Weather Service Lightning Safety.

New Research on lightning strikes show it is the small storms that count

In a paper published in October 2009 in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, two researchers use a comprehensive lightening mortality dataset to examine who is most at risk for lightening strikes.  The DC area is tenth on the ranking of regions with numbers of people hit and killed by lightening strikes, with 36 deaths from 1959-2006.  These statistics hide hundreds if not thousands of non-reported injuries during the same period. Lightening is an extraordinary natural hazard as it is frequent and the danger is not immediately obvious.  We have all seen thunderstorms but rarely anyone hurt by them.  

The National Weather Service issues severe storm warnings for organized, severe thunderstorms, but it turns out the most dangerous storms are the small, disorganized, pop-up affairs that most frequently disrupt our sport.  80% or more of all deaths and injuries in the United States due to lightening were caused by disorganized, pop-up storms. These storms are the least likely type of thunderstorm to produce a response in the public, as they pass quickly and do not seem dangerous.  However, these characteristics make them the most important storms to pay attention to as they cause most of the injuries.  Thus we must remain vigilant - follow the safety warnings given at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov:

When you see lightning or hear thunder, run to the nearest safe building or vehicle. Do not shelter under trees. You are not safe anywhere outside.

Read the whole article at: http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0477/90/10/pdf/i1520-0477-90-10-1501.pdf

WARNING – Field Equipment Safety: Field equipment lockers and sheds and the material within are a safety hazard. These items are for sanctioned program use only. Only adults are permitted to access field equipment. Field equipment lockers with heavy steel lids are hazardous to operate. Be very careful when opening and closing these lockers. Close and lock these items immediately before leaving unattended to prohibit unauthorized access, child endangerment, and vandalism.

WARNING – Goal Safety: Moveable and portable soccer goals are a safety hazard. These items are for sanctioned program use only. Only adults are permitted to handle these goals. These goals must be securely anchored before use. The home team has 15 minutes to make their field safe or the game can be subject to forfeit.

• Do not use unanchored goals. Field Setup requires that moveable and portable goals be securely anchored at their back corners before use. Report unanchored goals to the responsible club and to the game official at the field.

• Do not unanchor or move goals, unless you are the adult responsible for Field Preparation.

• Do not allow youth players or minors to assist in goal transport and placement.

• Do not leave moveable or portable goals set up on a playing field overnight. Unless noted otherwise, Field Takedown requires that moveable and portable goals be removed to secure storage after use. Moveable goals with goal nets removed must be stored faced together and cable locked along with any anchor weights off the field of play behind a goal line.

• Do not climb on goals. Do not allow children to play on field equipment and goals stored at a field. Warn anyone seen climbing on a goal to stop in the interest of the safety of everyone near the goal.

See the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Goal Safety Guide.

WARNING – Goal Line Safety: The area behind the goal line is a safety hazard. No one is permitted to stand directly behind the goal line during a game. Anyone crossing behind the goal line during a game or training should watch for the ball. Parents should not allow children to play or stand behind the goal line or near the goal during a game or training. Coaches should not allow players to warm up behind the goal line of a game, or to take a break from training behind the goal line or near the goal while the goal is still being used.

WARNING – Spectator Safety: The spectator area along the touch line is a safety hazard. The spectator line 3 yards outside of the touch line is a visual reminder to all spectators, especially children, to maintain this safe distance back from the field of play.

Please refer field and facility concerns, issues, or problems to your VYS House Commissioner or Club Representative.