How should a coach respond to a lightning storm during practice?

During a lightning storm, the safety of the athletes and coaching staff is the utmost priority. The most appropriate response is to stop practice and evacuate the field immediately. This action minimizes the risk of injury from lightning strikes, which can be life-threatening. Coaches should be aware that lightning can strike even when the storm seems distant, and the safest option is to remove all individuals from the open field to a secure location such as a building or a car.

Choosing to continue practice runs counter to the principles of risk management in athletic training and safety protocols established for such weather conditions. Postponing practice temporarily may still leave athletes vulnerable to sudden changes in weather, and moving players to shelter does not guarantee their safety in the event of an imminent lightning strike. Evacuating immediately ensures the quickest and most effective response to protect everyone involved.