Prior to the start of a contest, the host school is responsible for determining whether or not the conditions present a threat to the safety of participants and spectators, and will determine whether or not the contest will begin. Generally, rain without lightning will not warrant a game cancellation.

Once the contest begins, the officials have the authority to postpone or suspend a contest due to unsafe weather conditions -- that decision may not be over-ruled. When in doubt, error on the side of safety.   While lightning on the horizon should warn of potential danger, lightning associated with thunder or thunder alone means that there is immediate danger to athletes, officials, and spectators. The adage — "If you can hear it, clear it." — should be used to make decisions to postpone or cancel the activity. Lightning can strike 10 miles ahead of or behind the storm front and thunderhead clouds. 

When considering resumption of an athletic activity, the MSHSL recommends that everyone should wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lighting or sound of thunder before returning to the field or activity. Additional lightning-safety guidelines have been developed with the assistance of the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), and are listed below:

• As a minimum, NSSL staff strongly recommend that by the time the monitor obtains a flash-to-bang count of 30seconds (equivalent to six miles), all individuals should have left the athletics site and reached a safe structure or location.  Athletics events may need to be terminated. 
• Cancelling a game in progress:  Teams can cancel a game and reschedule it if less than 80% of the game has been played.  If the teams do reschedule, they start the game over from the beginning.  There is a new rule in 2012 for games with less than 80% left:  coaches can agree to end a suspended game (weather) by mutual agreement & the score would stand at the time of the suspension.  In either scenario, umpires will get paid for both games.

• First and foremost, make sure the players are well-hydrated prior to game time. 
• With a heat index of 105 degrees or higher at the field between 45-60 minutes prior to game time, you should cancel and reschedule the game. Make sure to notify the referees with enough notice that you don't have to pay them for the cancelled game. 
• In extreme heat under the heat index of 105 degrees, make sure you have a cooler with ice water/towels for the players to cool off with.  Bring extra cold water.  If possible, let players rest in the shade when not on the field.  Encourage parents/fans to bring umbrellas to provide shade.
• Remind players that they should drink 2 glasses of water each hour (for a few hours) after the game.
• If in doubt, error on the side of player, fan, coach, and referee safety.