NATA Position Statement Review Part 1:  What You Need to Know About Lightning Safety

As an athletic trainer, staying current with best practices isn’t just about delivering better care—it’s about being prepared for your Board of Certification (BOC) exam if you’re still an athletic training student and ensuring your athletes’ safety in real-time. One of the most valuable resources available is the series of position statements issued by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). These documents don’t just offer gold-standard clinical guidance—they also frequently show up as questions on the BOC exam.

Whether you’re prepping for the BOC exam or updating your emergency action protocols, understanding these position statements inside and out is a smart move. In part one of our NATA Position Statement series, we’ll break down a single NATA position statement: the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation Position Statement—and highlight what every athletic trainer needs to know.

Why the NATA Lightning Safety Statement Matters

Lightning remains one of the most frequently encountered and dangerous weather-related threats to athletes and outdoor participants. Despite its risks, it’s often underestimated. The NATA Lightning Safety Position Statement provides athletic trainers with the latest, evidence-based guidelines for managing this hazard safely and effectively—and it’s a high-yield topic for exam prep and daily practice alike.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 NATA Lightning Safety Position Statement

1. Establish a Lightning-Specific Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Every venue should have its own proactive EAP tailored to lightning risks. Essential components include:

• Lightning safety slogans, such as:
  
  • “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
    
  • “No Place Outside Is Safe When Thunderstorms Are in the Area!”
    
• A clearly defined chain of command with authority to suspend activity.
  
• A designated weather watcher responsible for monitoring forecasts and conditions.
  
• Pre-identified safe locations—substantial buildings or fully enclosed metal vehicles.
  
• Written criteria for suspending and resuming activities.
  

 2. Know Your Safe and Unsafe Locations

• Safe: Buildings with plumbing and wiring (like fieldhouses or schools) and enclosed metal vehicles (cars, buses).
  
• Unsafe: Dugouts, tents, gazebos, picnic shelters, under trees, near metal poles, and open fields.
  
• Important: Lightning can strike from clear skies ahead of a storm. Don’t rely on rainfall to determine risk.
  

 3. Follow the 30/30 Rule

• Suspend activities when lightning is within 5 nautical miles (≈6 statute miles).
  
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunderclap before resuming.
  
• Reset the clock every time new thunder or lightning is observed.
  

 4. Plan for Large Venues

High-capacity settings require more detailed planning:

• Evacuation plans for spectators and athletes.
  
• Clear signage, trained staff, and ample nearby shelters.
  
• Reliable weather-monitoring systems in place before and during events.
  

 5. Lightning-Related First Aid

• Rescuers must prioritise their own safety before helping others.
  
• Basic triage steps:
  
  • Move the patient to safety.
    
  • Assess for cardiac arrest and begin CPR if needed.
    
  • Apply AED as soon as possible.
    
  • Evaluate for spinal injuries or hypothermia.
    
• All involved staff should maintain CPR and first aid certifications.
  

 6. Communicate and Educate

• If thunder can be heard, it’s time to move indoors—no exceptions.
  
• Those in charge have a duty to warn participants and spectators.
  
• Everyone has the right to leave a hazardous area without penalty if they feel unsafe.
  

What This Means for You as an Athletic Trainer

• Stay Certified: Make sure your CPR, AED, and first aid certifications are current.
  
• Be Exam-Ready: Expect BOC exam questions on EAPs, safe/unsafe locations, and lightning triage.
  
• Lead with Confidence: Whether you’re on the sidelines or running a large event, being the calm, knowledgeable presence during a weather emergency can prevent serious injury—or worse.
  

The 2025 NATA Lightning Safety Position Statement isn’t just a checklist—it’s a critical framework that empowers athletic trainers to act swiftly, confidently, and correctly when weather turns dangerous. Whether you’re sitting for the BOC exam or working on the sidelines at a summer tournament, knowing this guidance could mean the difference between chaos and safety.