How we handle lightning.
Lightning is a life-safety matter. This page explains exactly how Sideline Alert detects strikes, enforces the quiet-time rule, and what our system does — and does not — do.
The 30-minute rule
When a lightning strike is detected within your field’s configured radius, Sideline Alert immediately sends a LIGHTNING NO-GO alert to every coach and staff member on that session.
A 30-minute quiet-time clock starts from the moment of the last detected strike inside your radius. If another strike is detected before the timer expires, the clock resets to 30 minutes. The all-clear is sent automatically only after a full 30-minute window passes with no strikes inside the radius.
The 30-minute rule follows the lightning safety recommendations of the National Weather Service and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Sideline Alert enforces it exactly — there is no way to shorten or override this timer through the app.
Strike detection
Sideline Alert uses a combination of weather service alerts and real-time lightning data to detect strikes. When a storm enters the monitored area during an active session, monitoring frequency increases to real-time.
The default monitoring radius is 10 miles. Club administrators can adjust this between 8 and 12 miles. A wider radius gives more lead time; a narrower radius reduces false positives for fields in urban areas with nearby but non-threatening cells.
What Sideline Alert does not do
- Sideline Alert does not replace the judgment of the on-site coach or safety official.
- Sideline Alert does not have eyes on the field. We cannot confirm that participants have moved to shelter.
- Sideline Alert does not detect lightning that occurs outside the monitored radius, even if it is visible from the field.
- Sideline Alert does not guarantee delivery of SMS or push notifications. Network conditions, carrier filtering, and device settings may delay or prevent delivery.
On-site judgment always takes precedence. If a coach or official observes lightning or hears thunder and believes conditions are unsafe — regardless of what Sideline Alert shows — they should clear the field immediately.
SMS alerts and opt-out
SMS alerts are sent to participants who have explicitly opted in to receive text messages. Members who prefer not to receive SMS can disable it in their account settings at any time. Email and push remain active.
To opt out of all Sideline Alert text messages, reply STOP to any message. You will receive a confirmation and will not receive further texts unless you opt back in. To opt back in, reply START.
Sideline Alert sends SMS alerts under a registered A2P 10DLC campaign. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency depends on active sessions and weather conditions. For help, reply HELP to any message.
Liability disclaimer
Sideline Alert is a decision-support tool. We provide weather data and automated alerts to help coaches and administrators make informed decisions, but we are not responsible for decisions made on the field or for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from weather conditions.
Always follow the policies of your league, facility, and local governing bodies regarding weather safety.