Ponca City Junior Baseball (PCJB)

Ponca City Junior Baseball Lightning Safety Policy

Purpose:
To ensure the safety of all players, coaches, officials, and spectators during games and practices in the event of lightning within a 10-mile radius.

Policy:

1. Monitoring Weather Conditions:

• A designated league official, coach(at practice), or umpire will monitor weather conditions using a reliable weather app or lightning detection system.

• If lightning is detected within 10 miles of the facility, the following steps will be taken:

2. Suspension of Activities & Shelter Procedures:

• Lightning within 10 miles: All games and practices will be suspended immediately. Players must remain in the dugouts or go to parent vehicles. Players cannot be in the field or outside of the dugouts. 

• If a storm is approaching, teams will be sent with parents or coaches out of the park immediately.

• Lightning within 5 miles: All players, coaches, officials, and spectators must immediately go to their vehicles for safety.

• Dugouts, trees, open fields, and metal structures are NOT safe places during a lightning storm.

• Vehicles should remain closed with windows up until it is safe to return to play.

3. Resumption of Activities:

• Play may resume only after 30 minutes have passed since the last detected lightning strike within the 10-mile range.

• Each new strike resets the 30-minute waiting period.

• League officials will notify teams when it is safe to return to the field.

4. Failure to Comply:

• Coaches and umpires are responsible for enforcing the policy.

• Failure to follow the policy may result in disciplinary action, including game forfeiture or suspension from league activities.

5. Communication:

• The league will communicate delays, suspensions, and resumptions via team Facebook, coach messages, or announcements at the facility.