Kaipara Netball Centre – Lightning & Thunder Protocol

1. Monitoring

The Games Controller (eg Grade Connector) will monitor MetService alerts, weather radar, and local conditions throughout the day.

Umpires, coaches, and officials should immediately report any lightning sighting or thunder.

2. Suspension of Play

Play must be stopped immediately if:

Lightning is seen, OR

Thunder is heard, regardless of how far away it appears.

The Games Controller will sound a horn/siren and all courts must cease play immediately.

3. Evacuation

Players, coaches, officials, and spectators must:

Leave all courts immediately.

Seek shelter inside a substantial building or fully enclosed vehicle.

Avoid trees, shelters with open sides, fences, goal posts, and metal structures.

4. 30-Minute Rule

Play cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last observed lightning flash or thunder clap.

If thunder is heard again during the waiting period, the 30-minute countdown restarts.

5. Match Management

Where delays occur:

Games may be shortened.

Round times may be adjusted.

Unplayed games may be recorded as a draw or rescheduled at the discretion of the Centre.

6. Severe Weather Cancellation

The Centre may cancel all remaining games if:

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for the area.

Lightning activity continues.

Conditions become unsafe due to hail, strong winds, flooding, or poor visibility.

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