Just count the number of seconds that pass between a flash of lightning and the crack of thunder that follows it, then divide that number by five. The resulting number will tell you how many miles away you are from where lightning just struck.

Five seconds, for example, indicates the lightning struck 1 mile away, and a 10-second gap means the lightning was 2 miles away.

This technique is called the "flash-to-bang" method, and it can keep you safe during rainy summer weather. The National Weather Service recommends taking cover if the time between the lightning flash and the rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less, which indicates the lightning is about 6 miles away or closer.

This method is based on the fact that light travels much faster than sound through the atmosphere: Light travels at 186,291 miles per second (299,800 km/s), whereas the speed of sound is only about 1,088 feet per second (332 meters per second), depending on air temperature.

Back to who should monitor the weather and make decisions? Recommend monitor should not be the coach, umpire, and or parent, because of there task at hands is the kids and not adequately monitor conditions.  The monitor must know the plan's guidelines and be empowered to assure that the guidelines are followed.

Once again I appreciate your feed back and hope I fully answered your questions. 
If you feel that it isn't, Wallen Complex is always in need of volunteers, to make things better.

HEAT GUIDELINES - YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL Wallen Complex (WC) has implemented the following guidelines to deal with extreme heat at all youth baseball/softball games and practices. It is designed to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat.

The two values that the WC will take into account, when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity.

The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We will rely on the heat index reading that is updated hourly by the National Weather Service Indiana. The WC has defined four heat index zones.


These zones are based on recommended guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme heat. Because the heat index does not take into account wind and direct sunlight, two degrees will be added to the stated heat index on sunny and still days. Likewise, two degrees will be subtracted on cloudy and windy days. White Zone Heat index of 65-80 degrees. In this range, the participant is in very little danger from heat and no special measures will be taken by the WC.


Yellow Zone Heat index of 81-98 degrees. In this range, coaches will be encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices.

Orange Zone Heat index of 99-105 degrees. In this range, the WC will implement the following at games: all measures taken in the

Yellow Zone; catchers will be allowed to catch only 1 inning in succession. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to keep players well hydrated and to take frequent breaks.


Red Zone Heat index ranging of 106 to 115 degrees. In this range, the WC will implement the following for games: all measures taken in the Yellow and Orange Zones; the length of games will be modified according to the schedule below


. • Baseball and softball grades K-3 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Softball grades 4-6 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Softball grades 7-12 – games will be reduced by 15 minutes
• Baseball grades 4-12 – games will be reduced by 30 minutes If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated.

Black Zone Heat index above 115. In this range, the WC will cancel all games and practices until the heat index returns to 115 or below.

Notification will be given through the Twitter and emails the Executive Board. Note - During the course of the day, the heat index will rise and fall depending upon the time of day, amount of wind, cloud cover, etc.

The above program modifications could also change throughout the course of the day, especially on a weekend. For example, a 1pm game on Saturday could be played under the Orange Zone guidelines and a 4pm game could be played under Red Zone guidelines. Coaches and parents will be informed of the appropriate zone of play by email of the Executive Board of WC.


These heat guidelines will be in effect for summer youth baseball, summer youth softball and fall baseball/softball.


The above are merely guidelines.


It is the responsibility of parents to make the ultimate decision as to the participation of their child in WC events when heat may be a factor, taking into consideration the age and physical condition of their child. Parents also have the ultimate responsibility to inform their child about the dangers of heat and need for protection, including sunscreen and proper hydration.



Here is some helpful items, parents and Coaches can do
• Provide ample amounts of water. This means water should always be available and athletes should take in as much water as they desire.
• Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration.
• Ice-down towels for cooling
• Watch/Monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
• Alter uniform by removing items if possible
• Bring umbrellas