How Athletic Directors Keep Games Safe From Weather

Every decision tied to lightning, heat, or storms has to be fast, clear, and defensible—that’s the reality Athletic Directors live in.
Sporting events bring communities together with Friday night lights, bands, and spectators in the stands. But behind every successful game is an Athletic Director whose job is far more complex than posting schedules or booking referees. Their world revolves around one unpredictable force that can alter safety, compliance, and even reputation—the weather.

 

Morning: Setting the Stage

By 8 a.m., the Athletic Director is already scanning the skies. They’re not looking at a phone app, but professional-grade weather systems: radar, lightning detection, and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index that is a good proxy for how the human body cools itself. Every observation is documented, not only for planning but for compliance. If a weather call is later questioned those records can be a lifeline.

Early updates are sent to coaches, any transportation officials, and administrators—an essential step in aligning hundreds of moving parts. A delayed bus route, a canceled warm-up, or a lightning delay can ripple across the entire day.

 

Midday: Walking the Grounds

By late morning, the AD is out on the fields, checking turf saturation, drainage, and wind damage. A bent goalpost or flooded locker room can throw off the night’s plans. Equipment—nets, hurdles, sound systems, band gear—must be secured well before storms roll in. Even backup power and communication systems are checked.

At noon, the focus shifts back to heat monitoring. If the WBGT index rises beyond safe thresholds, practices are shortened or rescheduled. It’s also the moment to reconfirm logistics with bus coordinators, officials, and vendors. Every partner needs to know what adjustments may be coming.

 

Afternoon: Preparing for the Crowd

By 2 p.m., attention turns to safety rehearsals. Lightning safety plans are reviewed. Where will the band go if storms arrive? How will student sections or spectators exit the stands quickly? Radios are tested with coaches, trainers, security, and cheer directors. Evacuation signage is posted, and accommodations are confirmed for groups that may move more slowly.

At 4 p.m., a final weather and logistics check brings it all together. Radar is scanned again, bus routes reconfirmed, volunteers and concessions aligned. If the forecast points toward delays or cancellations, communication drafts are readied for social media, parents, and local press.

 

Evening: Game On

As gates open at 6 p.m., the Athletic Director is in full monitoring mode. High winds can turn the stands or shade tents into hazards. Most athletic associations mandate a 30-minute lightning delay if a strike occurs within 10 miles, and ADs are responsible for enforcing that rule without hesitation. Hydration and cooling stations are staffed in case of extreme heat.

When kickoff comes at 7 p.m., the AD’s vigilance only increases. Radar is constantly refreshed. If evacuation is needed, the AD must move faster than the storm: stop the clock, move athletes, alert the press box, activate the PA system, and guide thousands to shelter—all while documenting every decision in real time for compliance and liability protection.

 

After the Whistle

The night doesn’t end when the scoreboard lights go dark. Postgame, the AD confirms safe dismissal of athletes, bands, and spectators while still tracking weather for departing buses. A final facility walk checks for damage, and all weather-related decisions are logged for compliance, insurance, and liability protection.

 

Protect Every Play

Discover how advanced weather tools help Athletic Directors make faster, safer decisions on game day — click here to see how.