The IHSAA lightning protocol recommends how long after a lightning delay before play resumes?

• A. 60 minutes
• B. 30 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 90 minutes

Answer: (B)

Lightning safety in sports hinges on a clear waiting period after a delay. The idea is that storms can drop lightning far from where you can see them, and activity can resume even after the sky looks clear. That’s why the standard is to wait thirty minutes from the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming play. This 30-minute window gives meteorologists and officials a practical balance between safety and minimizing prolonged stoppages. If another lightning flash or thunder is heard, the countdown restarts from that moment. Once you reach thirty minutes without new lightning or thunder and conditions are safe, play can resume. The other timeframes don’t reflect this safety standard: they either extend the delay more than needed or risk renewed danger by being too short.