Athletic Safety

Lightning Safety

Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that athletes encounter. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), there are approximately 100 fatalities and between 400 and 500 injuries resulting from lightning strikes each year in the United States. Even though the probability of being struck is extremely low, the danger increases when a storm is in the area and proper safety precautions are not followed.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has developed guidelines for lightning safety.  The following procedures Connecticut College procedures are based on those guidelines, and should be followed whenever there is a risk of lightning.

• Coaches and athletic trainers should obtain up-to date weather information prior to all practices and games.
• Coaches and trainers should be aware of the nearest safe structure to their practice and game sites.  For activities on Harkness, Freeman, Knowlton, and Chapel fields, and for the south tennis courts, shelter would be the surrounding buildings. For Silfen and Dawley fields, shelter would be the athletic center.  If lighting occurs unexpectedly, and there is insufficient time to reach shelter, especially at Silfen and Dawley fields, automobiles may be used if available, and there is not enough time to reach the Athletic Center. Waterfront shelter would be the rowing boathouse.  Do not shelter under trees. You are not safe anywhere outside!
• The NCAA recommends the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) "Flash-to-Bang" method of calculating the proximety of lightning.  Coaches and trainers should  use this method to determine when a practice or game should be interrupted, directing players and spectators to shelter:

• At a minimum, if lightning is calculated to be 6 miles away, (30 seconds between lightning and thunder), all outdoor events should be halted, and participants, spectators and staff instructed to seek shelter.
• Activities in the Natatorium should be halted, and swimmers removed from the pool.
• Events should not be resumed until 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is seen, or the last clap of thunder is heard.  Lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from where rain is falling.  So it's important to understand that the absence of rain, or even cloudy skies, does not eliminate the risk of lightning strikes.
• If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN!
• Once indoors, stay OFF corded phones. Cell or cordless phones, not connected to the building's wiring, are safe to use.  Don't touch electrical equipment or cords.  Avoid plumbing.  Do not wash your hands or take a shower.  Stay away from windows and doors.  Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against metal or concrete walls.  Stay at least a few feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electrical outlets and appliances.  Do not shower during a thunder or lightning storm.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

"MRSA is a type of infection caused by Staph bacteria that is resistant to some common antibiotics such as penicillin. While most cases have involved athletes, cases involving non-athletes have also occurred. Skin infections such as abscesses and boils are the most common form of this infection. The infected area usually starts out as a small bump resembling a pimple, which becomes redder and often develops pus drainage. Staphylococcus bacteria (or Staph)
are commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy individuals. Staph and MRSA are spread by close contact either through direct physical contact with an infected individual or by touching objects (e.g. towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, or sports equipment) contaminated with the bacteria.

In most cases, MRSA infections are mild and can be treated successfully with proper hygiene and the appropriate antibiotics. If left untreated, MRSA can progress to a life threatening infection and become difficult to treat because there are fewer effective antibiotics available at this stage of the illness.

Here are a few guidelines to help prevent and control the spread of MRSA:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms). An individual who becomes infected should wash all bed linens and clothes in hot water and laundry detergent frequently until the infection has cleared.
• Report any suspicious skin sore or boil to your healthcare provider (including the school nurse) immediately.
• If you participate in sports involving close personal contact (e.g. wrestling and football), shower with soap immediately after each practice, game, or match.
• Non-washable gear (i.e. head protectors), should be wiped down with alcohol after each use.
• Athletic equipment such as wrestling or gymnastics mats should be wiped down regularly with an antib
  acterial solution (i.e. Hibiclens).
• Athletes should receive a total body check prior to any game, match, or tournament.
• Individuals with an infection involving drainage (i.e. pus drainage) should be excluded from participation in sporting events and practices until all signs of pus drainage have resolved, the infected site can be adequately covered with a bandage and clothing, and a physician’s release has been obtained.
• Any cut or break in the skin should be washed with soap and water and a clean dressing applied on a daily basis.

More information regarding MRSA is available on the CDC’s website at:   http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_AthletesFAQ.html

Last Modified: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:13