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Grass Roots Ultimate Boulder Ultimate since 1991

Lightning Policy

The following Lightning Policy is based on the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports and the National Severe Storms Laboratory guidelines.

Grass Roots Ultimate (GRU) uses the flash-to-bang method (amount of seconds between when a flash of lightning is seen and the clap of thunder is heard). A GRU board member or league coordinator will act as monitor. In the event that no GRU representative is there, the game must be halted when the lightning safety threshold has been observed. This is not a discretionary decision in which players or captains can decide to continue play. Such behavior endangers not only individuals, but also the GRU organization, and its ability to have insurance.

When a flash-to-bang count of 30 seconds is reached, lightning is six miles away. The fields MUST BE CLEARED by all players, regardless of points or time left in a game. Any team that does not clear the fields may be penalized by forfeit of current or future games at the discretion of the event coordinator or GRU Board.

  • Do not attempt to finish a point in progress.
  • Players should seek shelter immediately (ideally, an enclosed building or other electrically grounded structure – the little shelters at the Broomfield Red Pod are NOT grounded) and move away from open areas and high ground.
  • Avoid proximity to metal objects (if in a vehicle, do NOT touch the sides) or tall, free-standing objects such as light posts and trees.
  • If no shelter is available, move to the lowest point possible and minimize your body’s surface area by sitting in a crouched position on the balls of your feet. Do NOT lie flat.
  • A vehicle is safe as long as it is not a convertible or golf cart — do NOT touch the sides of the vehicle while inside.
  • Play can ONLY resume 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder with the approval of a GRU representative.
  • In the event that play cannot be resumed after 30 minutes, the Event/League Coordinator will have the discretionary authority to reschedule or end the interrupted game(s) or to provide guidance for the captains to make this decision.

 

All GRU events held at facilities with the Thor-Guard lightning prediction system, including The Broomfield County Commons, will also follow these procedures: Participants will be warned by the THOR GUARD lightning prediction system which sounds ONE prolonged blast for 15 seconds signaling suspension of all play. All citizens should leave their respective fields and go to their cars or a lightning rod equipped shelter (in the main pavilion). Resumption of play is signaled by THREE five second blasts of the horns. See Broomfield County lightning safety flier for more information.