Leichhardt Saints Football Club

DATE - 15th March 20O4

SUBJECT - Lightning Safety

The weather conditions experienced in Australia, together with recent events on the South Coast when a cricketer was killed, has led to the development of a Soccer NSW Policy based on information primarily supplied by the Centre of Sports Medicine Research and Education and the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology.

Whilst lightning may be fascinating to watch, it is also extremely dangerous and underrated. During the past 30 years, based on documented cases, lightning has killed an average of 73 people per year in the United States. In Australia, there has been an increase in the number of casualties resulting from outdoor sport and recreational activities. On average, in Australia, 10 people a year die from lightning strikes. Statistics show that around 25% of people killed by lightning are playing sports such as golf, cricket or hockey. Three years ago in a park at Merrylands, five children were struck by lightning while playing.

An average lightning bolt carries 10,000 to 30,000 amps - an average radiator draws 10 amps!

Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on warm summer days and will go through various stages of growth, development and dissipation. During the thunderstorm, each flash of 'cloud to ground' lightning is potentially lethal. Lightning can travel 80km before it strikes something. If a person is in the path of that lightning discharge, it could prove deadly as the current associated with the visible flash travels along the ground. Although some victims are directly struck by the main lightning stroke, many victims are hit as the current moves in, and along the ground. The ground emits charges that shoot up to meet the leading strikes and the high voltage gradients cause currents to flow in concentrated channels on the surface or within the soil. It is therefore evident that the potential exists for a large number of people to be struck by lightning as they leave themselves vulnerable due to inadequate protective action.

Contrary to popular belief, lightning does not always strike tall objects - it can strike anywhere and can strike repeatedly. Metal objects do not attract lightning, although they may channel it if the strike is already a few metres away. There is clearly a need for all clubs and associations to implement an action plan, and adopt all precautionary methods available, to prevent any casualties.